Spokane, Wash. -- The Whitworth College Athletics Department, in conjunction with the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the American Red Cross, will conduct "Helmets for Hurricane Relief" on Saturday as a fundraiser during the Pirates' homecoming game against the University of La Verne.

At a change of possession in the second quarter, The game will stop briefly and Whitworth student athletes will pass football helmets along every row of the grandstand in the Whitworth Pine Bowl. Helmets will also be passed through the crowd on the grass hills north and south of the grandstand.

The concept was developed by Whitworth head coach John Tully.

"I woke up in the middle of the night after watching the hurricane coverage on the news," said Tully. "Like everyone else, my heart went out to the victims and I just tried to think of a way we could make at least a small difference for them."

All funds raised will go directly to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

"We are appreciative of John's initiative in this effort, as well as how supportive our team leaders have been in helping with this collection," said Whitworth Director of Athletics, Dr. Scott McQuilkin.

Saturday's kick off with La Verne is scheduled for 12:30 pm.