Number of Participants: 215
Hours Donated: 12
Value of Time Served: $21,801
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Football
Date: November 22, 2023
Location:
Saugus High School
Pearce Memorial Drive, Saugus
MA
About:
Every Thanksgiving, the Saugus football team upholds a cherished tradition by dedicating their day to assist a local food pantry. They spend their time packing bags and delivering Thanksgiving dinners to those seeking aid at a nearby church.
This year, the tradition continued with several senior football players, the sophomore quarterback, and a standout from the girls’ soccer team all pitching in. Coach Steve Cummings, Coach Shane Rhuda, Coach Bluestein and his eldest daughter joined in to support the cause.
In addition, Saugus Youth Football and Cheer also actively participates in community service by donating food to a local pantry every October. This commitment to giving back has been a part of the youth league’s culture for years, and Coach Bluestein is proud to serve as its president for the second year.
The recent high school volunteer event was orchestrated by Jessyka Rodriguez, the president of the booster club and a mother to two of their starting athletes. They had a strong showing at the high school event, with six athletes dedicating about five hours of their time. Meanwhile, the youth collection spanned a week, receiving donations from approximately 50-100 families, and having 215 kids in the organization this year helping out. These generous donations, including brownies, canned goods, and other non-perishables, were then delivered to a different organization in Saugus.
It’s heartening to witness the dedication and generosity of the community, and these efforts truly make a positive impact on those in need.