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Losing NFL Teams' Merchandise Put To Good Use

SEWICKLEY (KDKA) -- When it comes to pre-produced Super Bowl merchandise, there are no losers if you ask World Vision in Sewickley.

The humanitarian organization is gearing up for a Wednesday shipment of thousands of New England Patriots items that read "2012 Super Bowl Champs!"

Companies make winning apparel for both teams, so the losing team's stuff is sent overseas to help needy children and families in impoverished countries.

World Vision is one of two global distributors for thousands of boxes of NFL items.

To protect the league and its teams, the NFL will not allow the merchandise to be distributed in the United States.

Last year, World Vision had the bittersweet task of boxing up Steeler merchandise from the team's Super Bowl loss. It, too, was repurposed to help others.

Corporate Relations Officer Jeff Fields told KDKA's Kym Gable, "Many of these kids have never seen something brand new. They're living in torn clothing, shoes that are ripped, so when they get something brand new from someone far away, they are so appreciative. It really is life-changing for them to receive that."

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