West Lafayette, Indiana, November 25, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis has made a $10,000 donation to support West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School’s backpack program, helping over 80 students and 50 families with essential food resources during school breaks. The initiative also receives support from Payless, which is providing $75 gift cards for each backpack. This generous contribution highlights the importance of community support for local students.
West Lafayette, Indiana
Karlaftis Makes Generous Donation to Local Students
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis has donated $10,000 to support the West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School’s backpack program, which provides food to students during school breaks. The donation will assist 50 families and over 80 students who regularly rely on the program. Additionally, Payless, a Kroger brand grocery, is contributing $75 gift cards to be included in each backpack. A representative from Kroger will be on-site Tuesday morning to help staff pack the bags. Karlaftis, a 2019 graduate of West Lafayette, will not attend the event. The packing event is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday at West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School, located at 1105 Grant St.
Born in Greece and raised in West Lafayette, Karlaftis became a standout football player at West Lafayette High School before attending Purdue University. At Purdue, he earned All-Big Ten honors and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his first three professional seasons, he played a key role on a Chiefs defense that helped secure back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
Background on the Backpack Program
The backpack program at West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School is designed to ensure that students have access to food during school breaks. The initiative relies on community support and donations to provide essential resources to families in need. Karlaftis’s contribution highlights the ongoing efforts to support local students and families within the community.
Additional Community Support
In addition to Karlaftis’s donation, other community organizations have been actively involved in supporting local students. For instance, the Community Foundation has awarded grants to various nonprofits, including those focused on education and youth development. These grants aim to enhance the well-being of Lafayette and surrounding communities by supporting programs that promote education, health, and community engagement.
About George Karlaftis
George Karlaftis is a professional football player for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was born in Greece and moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, as a child. Karlaftis attended West Lafayette High School, where he was a standout football player. He then played college football at Purdue University, earning All-Big Ten honors. In 2022, he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the NFL Draft. Over his first three seasons with the Chiefs, Karlaftis has been instrumental in the team’s defensive lineup, contributing to their back-to-back Super Bowl victories.
About West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School
West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school serves students in grades 7 through 12 and is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service opportunities. The backpack program is one of the initiatives aimed at supporting students’ well-being and ensuring they have access to necessary resources during school breaks.
About Payless (Kroger Brand Grocery)
Payless is a grocery store chain that operates under the Kroger brand. It offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and household items. Payless is committed to supporting local communities through various initiatives, including donations and partnerships with local organizations. Their contribution of $75 gift cards to the backpack program is part of their ongoing efforts to assist families in need within the community.
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Lafayette and surrounding communities. It provides grants to various nonprofits and supports programs in areas such as human services, arts and culture, youth development, education, and seniors. The foundation’s mission is to promote and enhance the civic, cultural, educational, and general well-being of the community through strategic philanthropy and community engagement.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its strong engineering, science, and business programs. Purdue has a rich history of producing successful alumni who contribute to various fields, including sports, business, and public service. The university’s commitment to excellence in education and research continues to make it a leading institution in higher education.
About the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league’s American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team has a storied history, including multiple Super Bowl victories. The Chiefs are known for their passionate fan base and commitment to community involvement. Their success on the field is complemented by various initiatives aimed at supporting and engaging with the Kansas City community.
About the NFL
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams. It is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and is known for its high level of competition and widespread popularity. The NFL season culminates in the Super Bowl, the championship game that determines the league’s champion each year. The league is also involved in various community outreach programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the sport and supporting communities across the country.
About Greece
Greece is a country located in southeastern Europe, known for its rich history, culture, and contributions to Western civilization. It is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, with coastlines along the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. Greece has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, islands, and a Mediterranean climate. The country is renowned for its ancient landmarks, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and has a vibrant cultural scene that includes music, dance, and cuisine. Greece’s history spans thousands of years, with significant influence in areas such as philosophy, politics, and the arts.
About the United States
The United States is a country located in North America, consisting of 50 states and a federal district. It is the world’s third-largest country by total area and population. The U.S. has a diverse culture and is known for its significant influence in global politics, economics, and culture. Major cities include New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The country has a federal system of government and is a founding member of various international organizations, including the United Nations and NATO. The U.S. is also known for its technological innovations, higher education institutions, and diverse landscapes.
About the NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is an annual event in which the National Football League teams select eligible college players to join the league. It is a key component of the NFL’s player acquisition process and is widely followed by fans and media. The draft consists of multiple rounds, with teams selecting players based on their needs and the players’ performances in college. The event has become a significant part of the NFL’s offseason and is often seen as a way to build and strengthen teams for the upcoming season.
About the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), played annually between the winners of the league’s two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The game is typically held on the first Sunday in February and is accompanied by various festivities, including the Super Bowl halftime show and commercials. The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, attracting millions of viewers each year. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with parties, media coverage, and merchandise sales associated with the event.
About the West Lafayette Community
West Lafayette is a city in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, located along the Wabash River. It is home to Purdue University and has a population of approximately 50,000 residents. The city is known for its strong educational institutions, vibrant cultural scene, and active community engagement. West Lafayette offers a variety of recreational activities, parks, and community events that contribute to its high quality of life. The city’s proximity to Lafayette, Indiana, provides residents with access to a larger metropolitan area while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.
About the West Lafayette School Corporation
The West Lafayette School Corporation is the public school district serving the city of West Lafayette, Indiana. It includes several schools, ranging from elementary to high school levels, and is known for its academic excellence and commitment to student success. The district offers a variety of programs and extracurricular activities designed to support the diverse needs of its students. The backpack program is one of the initiatives aimed at ensuring students have access to necessary resources during school breaks, highlighting the community’s dedication to supporting its youth.
About the Kroger Company
The Kroger Company is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, operating numerous stores across the country. It offers a wide range of products, including groceries, pharmaceuticals, and household items. Kroger is committed to community engagement and supports various initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the communities it serves. Through programs like Payless, a Kroger brand grocery, the company contributes to local communities by providing essential resources and support to families in need.
About the Tippecanoe County Community Foundation
The Tippecanoe County Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. It provides grants to various nonprofits and supports programs in areas such as human services, arts and culture, youth development, education, and seniors. The foundation’s mission is to promote and enhance the civic, cultural, educational, and general well-being of the community through strategic philanthropy and community engagement.
About the Purdue University Football Program
The Purdue University football program is the intercollegiate football team representing Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The team competes in the Big Ten Conference and has a rich history of success, including multiple bowl game appearances and conference championships. The program is known for developing talented players who go on to successful careers in professional football. The team’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its strong recruiting classes and competitive performance on the field.
About the Kansas City Chiefs Defense
The Kansas City Chiefs defense is a key component of the team’s overall success in the NFL. Known for its aggressive play and ability to create turnovers, the defense has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories. Players like George Karlaftis have substantially contributed to the team’s success, showcasing the strength of player development in professional sports.
Conclusion
George Karlaftis’s donation to the backpack program not only exemplifies his commitment to giving back to the community but also underscores the importance of local support systems in aiding students during school breaks. The combined efforts of the community, spearheaded by initiatives from businesses like Payless and organizations such as the Community Foundation, illustrate how collaborative investments can transform lives for the better. As local residents, it is essential to support such programs and recognize the impact of community engagement on economic and social development.
FAQ
- What is the amount donated by George Karlaftis?
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis has donated $10,000 to support the West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School’s backpack program. - Who will benefit from the backpack program?
The donation will assist 50 families and over 80 students who regularly rely on the program. - What additional support is being provided for the backpack program?
Payless, a Kroger brand grocery, is contributing $75 gift cards to be included in each backpack. - Where is the packing event for the backpacks being held?
The packing event is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday at West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School, located at 1105 Grant St.
Key Features of the Backpack Program Donation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Donor | George Karlaftis |
| Donation Amount | $10,000 |
| Beneficiaries | 50 families and over 80 students |
| Support from Payless | $75 gift cards included in each backpack |
| Packing Event Location | West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School, 1105 Grant St. |
| Packing Event Date | Tuesday |
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