Eight students from John F. Kennedy Middle School’s Student Council in the Bethpage School District recently visited the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde As part of the “Helping Hands” program students baked goods to donate to
the house and also brought more than 20 boxes of toys, games, dolls and stuffed animals that were collected from its holiday toy drive. In addition, students and staff raised $1,800 through various fundraising activities and presented the house with their generous donation.

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage School District

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team understands the impact it can have in the local community and has made a year-long commitment to volunteer and give back. The Hawkeyes have adopted families during the holiday season each December, but are also active in other areas.

In the fall, the team identified organizations in the Iowa City area that they would be interested in working with, split into groups based on their interests, and started giving back. The five organizations the Hawkeyes are working with include Ronald McDonald House, Grant Wood AEA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, UI REACH, VA Hospital, and Hope Lodge.

“I like how our program reaches out in different areas,” sophomore infielder Kara Misel said. “We really take it upon ourselves to get out into the community, get involved in different organizations, and bring it all together to raise awareness for all of them.”

“It’s important to give back to the community surrounding Iowa City because our fans come support us no matter what,” senior infielder Megan Blank said. “It’s the least we can do to give back to them.”

Iowa softball’s year of giving culminates during the regular season when the Hawkeyes will host Awareness Day on April 4 at Bob Pearl Field. The student-athletes will wear special uniforms and colors during their game against Illinois and run informative announcements on the video scoreboard with the aim of raising awareness for the organizations they have been working with throughout the year.

Members of each organization are invited to attend the game, throw out the first pitch, set up booths, and enjoy Hawkeye softball in action. It has become a fun experience for them to see the student-athletes who have helped them all year perform in their athletic arena.

“That’s probably my favorite part,” Misel said. “They get to come support us on the field, be a part of it, and see what we’re all about.”

“It’s fun to see the looks on their faces because they’re so excited to throw out the first pitch and be a part of what we do,” Blank said. “They’re just excited to be there. It’s nice to see people we’ve been helping out in the community come and support us on game day. It’s an honor, and we’re lucky to be a part of it all.”

Giving back has been a rewarding experience for the Hawkeyes and many have learned lessons from their experiences with these organizations that have translated into other areas of their lives.

“I’ve learned a lot of leadership and communication skills during my time as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House,” Misel said. “It taught me how to step up, which has translated really well now that I am one of the team captains.”

“This is my second year working with Grant Wood AEA,” Blank said. “We go to Solon High School and have lunch with kids out there once a week. It’s a good way for us to help them out. Kids with disabilities are no different than us. It’s a blessing to get to know them.

“It has taught me a lot that translates to the real world. Everyone is special in their own way and you can’t discount someone because they’re different.”

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=750727105015303

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Members of the Southern Connecticut State University basketball teams conducted a clinic for youngsters from the New Haven Boys and Girls Club over the weekend at the Lincoln Bassett Community School.

This event is just one example of many community outreach events that SCSU student-athletes will take part in as part of the Tim Greer Insurance Agency Community Service Cup.

Initiated in September, 2008, the ‘Community Service Cup’ program provides a competitive format that allows student-athletes to gain an enriched experience through engagement with the on-campus and local communities by supporting ventures of traditional citizens, campus community members and peer students and student-athletes. SCSU student-athletes volunteered more than 4,000 hours of their time to numerous outreach efforts, both on-campus and in Greater New Haven, during the 2013-14 academic year.

Source: http://www.southernctowls.com/news/2015/1/5/GEN_0105152159.aspx

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students, faculty and staff spent a great part of the 2014 calendar year engaged in community service directly impacting the greater Oshkosh community.

More than 2,300 UW Oshkosh students, faculty and staff donated nearly 35,000 hours of community service in 2014.*

Take a look at the various ways our UW Oshkosh community has given back in 2014:

Feeding America Mobile PantryIntercollegiate Athletics

Student-athletes in Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field, Women’s Track and Field, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Football and Gymnastics donated more than 1,500 hours to support Oshkosh area events, fundraisers and mobile food pantries.

To read more, about the other organizations involved please visit: http://www.uwosh.edu/today/37374/uwo-community-donated-more-than-35000-hours-in-2014/

WESTFIELD – For the 10th consecutive year, student-athletes from Westfield State University helped 25 children in Westfield to celebrate a special Christmas.

Members of the Westfield State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) raised $750 to provide more than 80 gifts to children selected by the Volunteers in Westfield Public Schools Program. SAAC members filled lists provided by the school district before wrapping and delivering the holiday cheer to children from Abner Gibbs and Franklin Avenue elementary schools on Dec. 18 and 19.

The SAAC consists of two student-athletes from each of Westfield State’s 21 varsity teams. The committee focuses on community service, student leadership, and assisting the Westfield State administration with programming for the University’s nearly 500 student-athletes.

Source: https://www.thereminder.com/sports/sportsnews/wsusaacplayssanta/