Number of Participants: 16
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $270
Event Type: Hunger
Sport: Football
School: La Salle Institute
Date: November 30, 2021
Location:
La Salle Institute
Williams Road, Troy
NY
About:
“Most typical high schoolers take the weekend off to relax, unwind, and maybe even play a few video games. But that’s not true for La Salle senior Eddie Yamin.
“I got a lot of people close to me, not only family, but friends that are active service members or have already served,” Yamin said. “It means a lot to me to help those who have helped us.”
The senior quarterback, with the help of his team, organized the La Salle Blitz. The group collect donations to help former service members at the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition and Joseph’s House.
Through donations from their fans and the community, the group has collected thousands of dollars’ worth of essentials for veterans.
“This is everything to some people,” Yamin said. “It really is great to help people. It might not be much for us, but it’s a lot for them.”
The team has paired with Blessing Brigade, who will help distribute the items to veterans in need.
When the group first contacted Siobhan LeBlanc, she said it was an emotional moment.
“I cried, I honesty cried,” LeBlanc said. “I was so excited that the younger generation wanted to get their hands dirty and get involved, and make a difference for somebody else.”
Even in freezing temperatures on their weekend, the La Salle football team is behind their quarterback
“We understood that we were about here doing this for a purpose and it was bigger than football,” Yamin said. “Everyone out here is doing something bigger than football and contributing in every way they can.”
For over two hours the group organized and boxed up donations.
Yamin may be graduating this year, but he hopes this event will become an annual tradition for his team.
“I’m hoping next year will be the second, and I hope they carry the tradition on and on, because it really is a great thing to do,” Yamin said. “It really does put you above playing the game of football and you can help others.”
