Athletes from Massena Central School raked and bagged leaves for the elderly and disabled community members in conjunction with “Make a Difference Day” on Saturday, Oct. 29.
MASSENA — Elderly and disabled community members are getting some help with their fall chores today.
As part of Make a Difference Day, fall student-athletes from Massena Central School will be raking and bagging leaves, as well as performing some other small chores the residents might need done. Some of the student-athletes have already assisted residents, and others will be out in the community today.
“Every one of the sports teams is participating,” said Athletic Director Gavin Regan.
The fall teams include volleyball, soccer, football and swimming, although the swim team members are taking part in another project — helping to decorate for a school dance.
Mr. Regan said residents were invited to call Trisha LaBarge at the district to schedule a visit from the athletes to their homes.
“Trisha LaBarge coordinated with the coaches for Make a Difference Day. She has just done an outstanding, bang-up job,” he said.
And she was busy fielding requests, according to the athletic director.
“Tons of them, which is great. I would say we’re upwards of over 30,” Mr. Regan said.
He said they put the information out and stared receiving calls.
They collected the names, phone numbers and addresses, and the coaches made contact to set up days and times. The assignments are divided among the student-athletes, who head to different neighborhoods around the community.
“We’ve had a few teams do them already. Other teams have made arrangements,” Mr. Regan said.
While the primary goal was to rake and bag leaves, he said some of the elderly residents asked for help with other tasks, like moving furniture.
“We’re raking for everybody that called and requested,” Mr. Regan said. “In my opinion, it’s one of the great things Massena Central does. The kids seem to be having fun. It’s great for them.”
Residents appreciated it, too. One person who had her lawn raked over the weekend with flurries coming down wrote, “What wonderful citizens these girls are!!! Awesome workers,with 25 cent snowflakes flying and cold!! I certainly appreciate it; I’ll be 84 in December!!!”
The fall athletes started participating in Make a Difference Day cleanup activities for the elderly and disabled several years ago when Martha Slack was the school’s athletic director, and the tradition has continued over the years as a way to give back to the community that athletic directors say have supported them over the years.
Source: http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news05/massena-central-school-fall-athletes-rake-bag-leaves-for-make-a-difference-day-20161029
