University of Akron head football coach Lee Owens believes that community service is important, and the Zips have followed his lead by lending a hand with a community effort to raise funds for the Akron Children's Hospital.

This was Owens' second year as one of the honorary chairs of the "Kids' NewsDay" effort, a project that assists the hospital and the 300,000-plus children who are treated there annually -- regardless of their ability to pay.

At the center of the project is a special edition of the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper, which features a wrap-around section that includes copy about the programs, patients and services of the children's hospital. The special edition of the paper is sold for $1, with 82 cents of every dollar going directly to the children's hospital. The papers are sold throughout the city of Akron by volunteers.

In his role as one of the honorary chairs, Owens gave several community presentations promoting the effort, spoke with civic organizations and assisted greatly in recruiting volunteers. He also motivated numerous members of the Akron football team to assist in the sales.

"The growth and interest in this community project over the last three years has been phenomenal," Owens said. "Our guys can see that if everyone does their part and gives two or three hours of their time, this kind of a program can have a tremendous impact."

Two dozen Zips football players met with Owens to do their part at 5:30 a.m. September 15, when they gathered for an organizational meeting. Then the Zips hit the

streets, helping to staff 12 of the more than 90 paper sales locations throughout the city.

The early start didn't discourage the players at all.

"Getting up early was one thing," said John Gambone, a freshman punter from Akron. "But as soon as you think about who the money is going to, it's a great feeling to know you are going to help someone who is less fortunate."

The entire community-wide effort raised $20,000, which included paper sales, corporate sponsorships, advertising revenue and donations.

"The Akron football players were great ambassadors for the entire project," said Amy Wong, director of the Children's Miracle Network at the hospital.

"Coach Owens has been a great friend of the hospital. He has been an ambassador, not just in name but also in deed. He has taken a hands-on approach, speaking to civic groups and was even out on the streets selling the papers."

Owens and the team captains also visit young patients at the hospital each Friday before home football games.

"It amazes me how coach Owens has found time to do all of this -- during a busy time for him and his team -- and he has done it with a smile," Wong said. "That's a great commitment."