Impact

Penn State Abington athletes and the 'gift' of service

Penn State Abington lacrosse player Katie Kelly worked out with a rake last weekend for Make A Difference Day. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Nearly 100 Penn State Abington student-athletes traded games, practices and workouts for rakes, leaf blowers and wheelbarrows for national Make A Difference Day last weekend. Cheerleaders and athletes from the 13 varsity teams partnered with the Breathing Room Foundation to help cancer patients with their fall yard maintenance.

Ellen Carissimi, volunteer coordinator for the local nonprofit, provided the Abington Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) with tasks for 12 families.

“This is such a gift to our families,” Carissimi said. “It allows them the time to rest and relax as they continue their cancer treatments and focus on recovery.”

Patients and families thanked Noelle Powell, assistant athletic director, and the students for their support (read excerpts in the captions).

"The students were so kind and caring. They kept asking us what more they could do. The shed was cleaned out and packed with our patio furniture. The heavy planters were put away. Wood was cut up and moved. My husband and I never could have done this work this year." Beth and Pat   Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

 

"Thank you for the wonderful group of young ladies that came to Mom and Dad's home. They were so kind and the place looks great!" Marie  Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

 

"They were all so nice and their kindness is truly appreciated. I was able to get out and walk the yard. ... It was my therapy for the day." Pam Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State Abington athletics fields 13 men’s and women’s teams as a member of the NCAA Division III. The SAAC organizes service projects and represents student athletes at Abington.

The Breathing Room Foundation provides families with services to give them “breathing room” during cancer treatment and recovery. It offers financial assistance, as well as meals, transportation, dog walking, and help with errands and house cleaning.

Abington students athletes performed fall yard work for local cancer patients during Make A Difference Day. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

The Abington softball team pitched in, too. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Abington students athletes performed fall yard work for local cancer patients during Make A Difference Day. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

The Abington softball team pitched in, too. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Last Updated October 28, 2015

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