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Thursday, November 7, 2024

Reflections from the 28th annual United Way Day of Caring

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Wingate University Athletics issued the following announcement on Aug. 30.

Wingate University student-athletes and coaches reserve the last Saturday of August for the United Way Day of Caring. With the global pandemic canceling the 2020 event, the 28th annual version was Saturday, August 28. The Bulldog family had 311 volunteers involved, including 273 student-athletes and coaches.

This year was a little different, as Covid-19 concerns led the UWDOC steering committee to cancel the kick-off celebration at Irwin Belk Stadium and John R. Martin Field on the WU campus. Instead, the Bulldogs went straight to their work projects Saturday morning.

The Wingate track and field/cross country teams had 125 participants, a new United Way Day of Caring record for one WU group. United Way regional development director Ivy Allen earned her keep with the track and field/XC teams, as she divided them into 12 work-project sites.

United Way Day of Caring … objectives

- Volunteers assist community members and non-profits with household upkeep and other projects

 United Way Day of Caring … more 2021 numbers

 - 800+ Union County volunteers

- 70+ project sites

 United Way Day of Caring … reflections from seven WU student-athletes

 Elana Ingram, women's basketball

The Wingate women's basketball team gets great support from the community. The United Way Day of Caring is one of the ways we can give back and show how much we appreciate the community. This year, we went to the Community Shelter of Union County and helped with preparing to serve the residents and the people in need throughout the county.

We started off by prepping the kitchen and serving areas by wiping down all the hard surfaces and taking out food that we would need to use for the meal. We also prepped bags with different necessities such as condiments, canned food and dried goods to give away to the different people who come through during the day.

This experience was very humbling and allowed us to see that we are beyond blessed to live the life we do. It is a great feeling to leave a place knowing you made a difference in someone else's day…someone who you don't even know. 

 

Jaeda Scott, women's basketball

Saturday was the 2021 United Way Day of Caring and the Wingate Women's Basketball team went to the Community Shelter of Union County to help out, both inside and outside the building. The outside crew picked up trash around the property, washed windows and doors and cleaned up the sidewalks. We had no experience washing windows, but I think we did a pretty good job. The inside group sorted and organized the pantry, did a deep cleaning around the building and also created baggies of necessities.

 At the end of our volunteer time, Mr. Joe and Ms. Charleen went more in depth about this facility and what its program do for people. They explained that they just don't house and feed people, they actually help people get jobs and help them get to the place in their lives so they can get housing. They also have warehouses that bring in donated furniture; they give this (furniture) to the people who move out of the shelter. What the Community Shelter of Union County does for the community is amazing. 

 Overall, I think our experience Saturday was really fun…it felt good to come together and help out a community who supports us so well. The team had great energy inside and outside even though it was super-hot. We were happy to do Day of Caring after a two-year layoff…it was a great experience. 

Brooklyn Pierce, women's cross country

The Wingate Cross Country and Track & Field teams had the opportunity to participate in Saturday's United Way of Caring. One of the many reasons I love attending Wingate is because the University provides us with many opportunities, like this one, to give back to our local community. Volunteering as a team is an incredible way to bond with your teammates on a new level and appreciate the people you have around you. 

Saturday, my group went to the Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity and cleaned up the landscaping around the building. The majority of us took brooms and shovels and swept up the excess gravel and rocks that flooded the parking lot. Others used weed eaters to cut the grass or took down gutters that were damaged. The organization gave us Gatorade and snacks to keep us fueled throughout our time volunteering. Overall, this was a very fulfilling experience that gave me an insight on how to better my community and grow closer with my teammates. 

 

Mike DiLegge, men's lacrosse

Saturday was a great day to give back to the community we call home. The men's lacrosse team split into five groups to job sites across campus and the local area. We had groups painting sidings, cutting lawns, cleaning gutters, potting plants…you name it, we did it. One group was able to touch up the Community Garden by the Neu Building, which has been a tradition for our team since it was created two years ago…we always make our way back to the Community Garden on campus.

My group was able to clean out the front yard of a local Bulldog fan. She was excited to see us knocking on her door at 7:45 a.m. She was all smiles to see a group of us redesign her front garden and patch up all the holes in her siding. She was fascinated by the game of lacrosse and was asking us questions all day.

This was a great opportunity to connect with our local community during the United Way Day of Caring. For our team especially, we have guys from all over the country, so it was an awesome experience to touch base with the local Bulldog fans. We are so thankful to be able to give back to our community as Coach (Tim) Boyle always preaches. Service is a big part of who we are as Wingate Lacrosse players…we strive to build our character every day. 

 

Savanna Swickard, softball

The Wingate softball team had the opportunity to be a part of the United Way Day of Caring and give back to the community, specifically by assisting one woman who simply needed some help doing yard work. There is something so special about serving someone else, but in return, you are actually the one walking away with a feeling of humbleness and gratitude.

Coach (Jamie) Stanclift preaches often to us about what it means to be a good teammate and be a servant leader. Saturday we truly had the chance to embody this…I am so thankful for my team and the Wingate community.

Jadyn Kadyk, women's tennis

The Wingate tennis teams had the opportunity to take part in the United Way Day of Caring Saturday. We helped out at the Wingate Baptist Church Daycare with tasks such as sanitizing toys, desks and chairs as well as outdoor work. I am so thankful to be able to give back to the Wingate community and show our appreciation. Activities off the tennis court such as this are where true friendships are established and teamwork is built. The Day of Caring is an amazing event each year that allows us to interact and lend a helping hand to the community that has done so much for us and our University.

 

Billy Edwards, men's track and field, graduate assistant coach

On Saturday, a group from the track and field and cross country teams had the privilege to serve Mrs. Ann through the United Way Day of Caring. Mrs. Ann is an elderly lady in the Wingate community…we were able to do tasks around her house, such as mow her lawn and trim her bushes and trees…tasks she was unable to do. Mrs. Ann was so blessed by our student-athletes and the tasks we could do for her. As we left, she pumped her fist and shouted "Go Bulldogs!" It was such a great experience as a coach to see our student-athletes give back to the community.

Original source can be found here.

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