Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 287
Value of Time Served: $2,425
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Schools
Date: January 6, 2015
Location:
Tacoma
Washington 98447, United States
About:
PARKLAND – Last weekend, PLU student-athletes volunteered their time at the 24th annual Winterfest held on PLU East Campus. The volunteers consisted of 10 PLU women’s tennis student-athletes, 20 PLU women’s soccer student-athletes, 20 PLU softball student-athletes and 35 members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Women’s tennis and women’s soccer assisted with set-up on Friday afternoon while SAAC reps and the softball team volunteered during the Winterfest event on Saturday.
“It was a wonderful experience,” said track & field student-athlete and SAAC rep Alan Bell. “Parkland families were so grateful for our help and really showed us what the holiday spirit truly is, putting others above yourself.”
Winterfest is a Parkland-Spanaway community event that inspires hope by connecting low-income families with gifts and resources during the holiday season. Winterfest serves local families by offering a place to share refreshments and by hosting a children’s fair with games, face painting, a visit with Santa and crafts. Parents have the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their children, connect with local resources, and access coats, socks and personal hygiene items.
Volunteers on Saturday assisted with the children’s fair and many were touched by their experiences with the Parkland youth.
“As I worked with the children, I began to learn how selfless they are,” softball student-athlete and SAAC rep Alison Behrends shared. “Instead of focusing on themselves, they were more focused on their families. They were looking to do something for their parents or guardians. Never once were they concerned about getting something for themselves.”
Overall, Winterfest exemplified the holiday spirit of giving and supporting others.
“Winterfest is a time to raise each other up and realize the impact that each of us have on one another and the world around us,” women’s soccer student-athlete and SAAC rep Nicoya Benham-Marin commented. “It was truly a life changing experience.”
To read more please visit: http://www.golutes.com/news/141218_Winterfest2014