Pro Bono Populi: Law students support Lowcountry Food Bank

Phi Delta Phi (PDP) and the Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Society (EASL) at Charleston School of Law hosted the first-ever “Kickin’ for Cans” Kickball Tournament last weekend, collecting over 1,000 canned goods for the Lowcountry Food Bank.

Phi Delta Phi has maintained a long-standing partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank. For years, PDP would host “Canned Immunity,” where students exchanged canned goods for cold-call passes. This year, following recent reports that families in Charleston are experiencing heightened food insecurity, PDP’s executive board sought to increase donations and expand student engagement. Wanting to build on tradition while creating a more active, community-centered event, the board developed the idea for a campus-wide kickball tournament.

PDP invited EASL to co-host this event, and together the organizations set up donation tables throughout the week of November 10–14. Students dropped off canned goods, received tournament entry tickets, and continued the tradition of exchanging cans for cold-call passes.

Throughout the week, the ten kickball teams competed to raise the most donations. Students assigned their canned goods to the team of their choice, helping drive a friendly competition. Altogether, the teams collected more than 1,000 cans, with Kicking & Screaming winning the competition with 133 cans.

On Saturday, 10 student teams from across all class years competed in pool play, each team playing three games. The top six advanced to a single-elimination playoff round. In the final game, Kicking & Screaming faced off against the Ball Smashers, with the Ball Smashers winning the first-ever Kickin’ for Cans championship.

“Seeing so many students show up, not only to donate cans but to play, cheer, and enjoy the tournament, was incredibly meaningful. Saturday’s event was such a fun change of pace from what we usually do as law students. It was a nice change of scenery to be outside and active right before we dive into finals, all while supporting a significant cause. I hope Kickin’ for Cans continues to grow as a tradition long after my time here,” said AnnFlorian Reder, Phi Delta Phi President and 3L at Charleston School of Law.

Reder, a 2023 graduate of the University of Mississippi, also serves as a senator for Charleston School of Law Student Bar Association.

“The leadership of organizations like PDP and EASL strengthens our community and helps ensure that the school continues to fulfill its mission of pro bono populi. I could not be prouder to be a part of it,” said Charleston School of Law Professor Allyson Haynes Stuart, faculty advisor for Phi Delta Phi. “On behalf of these organizations, we thank everyone for their generosity in supporting those in need during the holiday season.”

Phi Delta Phi is an International Legal Honor Society and is one of the oldest legal organizations in the United States. PDP holds a unique role in the history of the American bench, bar, and legal education. Pinckney Inn, Charleston School of Law’s chapter, remains committed to promoting the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in law schools and the legal profession.

The Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Society at Charleston School of Law was established to support students interested in pursuing careers in entertainment, arts, and sports law. The Society works to shape the Law School’s curriculum in these areas and hosts a variety of extracurricular events for students considering practice in these fields.

Food insecurity across the Lowcountry has reached a 20-year high. According to the Lowcountry Food Bank, a one-dollar donation can help provide three nutritious meals for a local family in need. To learn more or support their mission, please visit the Lowcountry Food Bank online.