The Lindenwood-Belleville Lynx soccer team continues to make a difference on and off the field. On Saturday, March 10, the team served alongside a number of volunteers to spread hope to the community of Harrisburg, Ill., through donations and time spent working to meet the needs of Harrisburg residents.
The team spent most of the day unloading donations of toys, shoes, clothes, and, most importantly, happiness and hope for those that lost everything.
It seemed that the Lynx team was called to do this work at the right time; the truck they were unloading was full of Lindenwood University-Belleville donations, along with all of the City of Belleville’s donations.
“It is so easy to forget about all the blessings we have in life and to take one’s time for granted, but there is a tremendous need in Harrisburg to bring hope back to the community. That was our goal in going to help,” said Lindenwood student Catalina Albarracin.
“It is good to put aside your goals and issues to help those who have bigger issues than us,” said Lynx soccer player Corey Elsey.
The Lynx team also has a special connection with Harrisburg in that Lynx soccer player Leigha Gregg is the daughter of Harrisburg’s mayor, Eric Gregg.
“It was a comforting experience having my teammates supporting my town and knowing that they were all very enthusiastic, full of energy, and ready to work towards the hope of our town,” Leigha Gregg said. “I cannot express how thankful I am.”
The soccer team members said they had a wonderful experience and were moved by the smiles of many people in Harrisburg. The team plans to return and conduct soccer clinics in the town. Dan Hogan, head men’s and women’s soccer coach, is tentatively organizing the first clinic for April 21.
“We had a great experience,” Hogan said. “We want to come back to keep helping not only the whole community, but also Harrisburg’s soccer community.”
Article courtesy of Beth Miller