A former professional football player is giving back to his hometown of Reston this Christmas.
Zac Parker, who played for the South Lakes Seahawks before graduating in 2013, has been collecting donated food, toys, clothes and other items that he plans to distribute tomorrow (Tuesday) to people in need, including kids and people experiencing homelessness.
The distribution event will take place at the Reston Community Center in Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) from 2-4 p.m., and community members interested in making their own contributions or helping with the drive are welcome.
“If any members want to come and help set up or be involved in donations, that would be great, or if they just want to come and be a part of the drive, that’d be cool too,” Parker told FFXnow, adding that donations can be dropped off around 1-2 p.m. so he has time to set everything up.
A native of Reston, Parker played football with the Reston Youth Association and South Lakes High School, where his skills as a wide receiver earned him a full scholarship to Liberty University.
In addition to graduating with a business degree, Parker won three consecutive conference titles with the Liberty Flames before playing at Virginia State University for his final year of eligibility. That also resulted in a conference title, according to a profile by the South Lakes Sentinel.
Parker landed a tryout with the Washington Commanders and later played for four years in the Canadian Football League, first with the Montreal Alouettes and then with the BC Lions. He also joined the Indoor Football League for a season in 2022 as a wide receiver for the Iowa Barnstormers.
Though he’s now retired from pro football, Parker says he still receives a lot of products from brands looking for endorsements, so he decided to use his influence to help his community.
“Since I can afford it, and I’m in this position where I can get brands to donate and stuff like that, I just love to give back,” he said. “It makes me feel good.”
Donations for the drive so far include:
- Hats, gloves and workout gear from Incrediwear
- Football from TreDcal
- Toys from Wigglitz
- Food from Royal Farms, Backyard Grill in Chantilly and the Ledo Pizza at Hunters Woods Plaza in Reston
Parker says Reston Youth Association, where he now volunteers as a football coach, has also donated some items. He hopes to turn the holiday donation drive into an annual event.
“I just wanted to give back to anyone in need for Christmas,” Parker said. “I’m going to do this every year, just give out toys to youth and clothes, shoes for them and for the homeless as well, coats, stuff like that too.”
