The University of Hawai'i will support "Operation Uplift" during the Warriors' football game against Fresno State Saturday at Aloha Stadium.

"Operation Uplift" is part of a statewide campaign to help support the relief efforts in Pacific Region.

Prior to the football game, student-athletes from the UH baseball, softball, and men's and women's basketball teams will be at the stadium gates accepting donations on behalf of the American Red Cross' disaster relief efforts.

Major General Robert Lee, the State's adjutant general and director of State Civil Defense, led an effort to get Oceanic Time Warner Cable to make arrangements to have a special video feed of the UH-Fresno State telecast available throughout American Samoa.

"We are supportive of the relief efforts and feel for those involved in this disaster," Norman Santos, Oceanic Time Warner Cable vice president, said. "Hopefully, this game presentation will bring some relaxation and relief from this unfortunate situation."

"It's very important that we come together as an 'ohana and support those affected by these recent natural disasters," Jim Donovan, UH athletics director, said. "We'll work together with the Governor's Office, State Civil Defense, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Aloha Stadium, the American Red Cross, and a wide array of volunteers to help make 'Operation Uplift' a success."

"This is a difficult time for the UH Warrior players who have family in American Samoa, so it's heartwarming that their fellow student-athletes and the Hawai'i community are pulling together to help in the recovery effort," said Governor Linda Lingle. "The people of Hawai'i have continued to generously open their hearts in responding to recent tragic events that have devastated our neighbors in the Samoas, the Philippines, Indonesia and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region. The donation drive at the UH-Fresno State game is just one more way Hawai'i residents can help those who are struggling to recover from these catastrophes."

"We are very grateful to the University of Hawai'i Athletics Department for giving football fans an opportunity to express their generosity and compassion in this time of great tragedy," said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO, American Red Cross, Hawai'i State Chapter. "Funds raised will help us save lives and give hope to those in need. We cannot thank UH enough for their wonderful contribution to the cause of humanity."