Athletes from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) took an opportunity this month to give the gift of their time to those in need. Students from across SCF’s five sports participated in a “Day of Champions,” contributing 340 community service hours to projects across the region.
On Dec. 2 the SCF Manatees, led by SCF’s basketball coach Tom Parks and in coordination with United Way Suncoast, volunteered at Our Daily Bread, Hope Family Services, Salvation Army, Church of the Holy Spirit and SCF. The day for most of the student athletes began at 7:30 a.m., and they worked through to 1 p.m. Athletes worked in the soup kitchen, painted and installed door plates, cleared overgrown vegetation, mulched, and a second shift served food at the Salvation Army’s nightly community dinner.
Jessica V. Maxon-Berrier, volunteer coordinator with United Way Suncoast, was impressed with the inaugural event and is looking forward to the 2019 Day of Champions. She sent a shout out to all the athletes and thanked Parks for his leadership and coordination with the United Way.
“Our student athletes were tremendous representatives of our college and intercollegiate athletic program,” said Matthew Ennis, director of athletics and student activities. “The United Way’s support of the concept was instrumental in the success of the Day of Champions.”
For more information on SCF athletics, visit SCFManatees.com.