Number of Participants: 50
Hours Donated: 16
Value of Time Served: $6,760
Event Amount Raised: $16,000
Event Type: Disaster & Emergency Services
Sport: Girls Basketball
School: Union Springs Middle/High School
Date: October 29, 2024
Location:
Union Springs High School
Cayuga Street, Union Springs
NY
About:
The Union Springs Girls Basketball Program recently completed a powerful community service project, “Stuff the Truck,” in support of victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Led by Coach Andy Kalet and Union Springs Board of Education member Barry Schwarting, the team rallied the community to collect essential supplies for those affected by the devastating storms.
With a well-organized, three-day donation drive held at the local fire department, roughly 50 athletes—from 2nd graders to high school seniors—volunteered their time. Together, they unloaded, organized, and packed donations from community members into a 58-foot tractor trailer. In addition to physical donations, the team raised close to $16,000 in cash contributions, allowing them to purchase vital equipment like generators and chainsaws to support recovery efforts.
The trailer was filled with a wide range of necessities, including household supplies, personal hygiene items, bedding, clothing, pet food, and non-perishable food items. After three days of dedicated work totaling nearly 800 student volunteer hours, Coach Kalet and Barry Schwarting set out to deliver the filled trailer to Bristol, Tennessee, ensuring the supplies reached those in need.
This project highlighted the Union Springs Girls Basketball team’s commitment to making a difference and the incredible generosity of the Union Springs community. Their efforts not only provided direct support to hurricane victims but also served as an inspiring display of teamwork and compassion. Union Springs is proud of their athletes’ dedication to giving back, and they extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this impactful cause.
