Northern Illinois is going to wear corn-themed jerseys in its opener against Presbyterian on Aug. 28.

The jerseys represent NIU’s connection to the agricultural community. They will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to three local charities, including the Canaday family, whose son was born with pulmonary atresia and whose father — an NIU employee — is battling esophageal cancer. The auction begins Friday.

“Partnering with the community is always important, so when Lisa Angel and her group at Corn Fest brought us this opportunity, we couldn’t say no,” head coach Rod Carey said in a release. “They introduced us to the Canaday family and just knowing their story, I couldn’t think of a better family and cause. Mark and Christopher will be our honorary captains for this game and we’ll be honored to have them with us.

“Then you talk about the Voluntary Action Center and the Boy Scouts. Groups like these are what make our community tick. They do so much for other people in this community and for Corn Fest, and we are just trying to do our part to be good partners and good citizens.”