Men's Basketball | 12/23/2021 12:01:13 PM
Empire 8 Conference member institutions prioritized staying involved in their local communities during the fall season, while taking ample precautions due to COVID-19. From food drives to toy drives, student-athletes from each institution’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and various teams volunteered and gave back during the fall semester and holiday season.
Here are various community service highlights from the 2021 fall season.
Alfred University
Stuffed Animal Toss
"The stuffed toy toss is an awesome way to get people to come and support our football team as well as have people contribute to an outstanding charity," Scott Kimiecik '22 of the Alfred University men's lacrosse team said. A fantastic group turned out for Alfred University's men's lacrosse and women's softball team on October 23 in conjunction with the football game vs. Morrisville State College, to collect stuffed animals for donation to a local Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program.
Toy Drive
Alfred University teams went above and beyond with yet another toy drive, December 13, 2021. Organization leader Victoria Cramp of the women’s swimming and diving team expressed her gratitude for the community's engagement. AU made an expectational collection of 675 toys to benefit local children this holiday season.
Elmira College
Food Drive
The Elmira men’s hockey team set up multiple events in November, raising food and giving thanks to veterans and military service. In addition, they organized a weekend of giving, as fans and student-athletes lined the stadium to not only provide support but give back to their community.
Hartwick College
Boys and Girls Club Clinic
The Hartwick men’s basketball program visited their local Boys and Girls Club to help put on a youth basketball clinic on November 3, 2021. The student-athletes made it a priority to educate while having a good time.
Houghton College
Toy Drive
This Christmas, the Houghton’s men’s and women’s track and field program held a toy drive for the Allegany County Department of Social Services Foster Care. The toy drive was held on December 13, 2021, as part of the Houghton December Classic Meet. Items donated helped kids of all ages enjoy the holiday season.
Keuka College
Thank You Veterans
Student-Athletes throughout Keuka College came together on November 9, 2021, through a Campus Drive-Through parade for their veteran's community. Student-athletes and staff lined the campus roads to cheer and clap for the attending veterans. Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Michelle Broadhurst said, "it was so rewarding to see our students have such an impact and truly be thankful and supportive of our veterans."
Nazareth College
Fight Pediatric Cancer
The Nazareth Athletics Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) set forth a fundraiser with Go 4 the Goal Organization to help raise money to fight pediatric cancer throughout October 2021. Student-Athletes throughout the Flyers stadiums wore gold shoelaces and hair ribbons to show their support for the cause. Go4theGoal is a program that provides grants and funds for renovations that improve hospital environments and services for pediatric patients.
Russell Sage College
Food & Toy drive
Russell Sage's SAAC sponsored multiple fundraiser events this past semester. Including a toy drive held in early December for Albany Med Children's Hospital. SAAC also had a food drive in November to make meals for those in need at the Hope 7 and Joseph's House, Troy, NY.
St. John Fisher College
Toy Drive
The St. John Fisher Men's and Women's Basketball teams took part in the fifth annual Mark Pizzeria Crosstown Shootout Toy Drive, mid-November 2021. Donations went to children at Mary's Place in Rochester, NY.
Utica College
Mayor’s Quality of Life Sweep
The Utica College Women’s Basketball team participated and held multiple community service events throughout the fall semester. On October 6, 2021, the group volunteered with the Major of Utica, Rob Palmieri, in the “Mayor’s Quality of Life Sweeps,” where their voluntary work focused on improving their community for future events.