UAlbany Athletes Help Communities in Need

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 17, 2012) -- From volunteer bell ringing for the Salvation Army, to fundraising for Leukemia research, to mentoring disadvantaged children, UAlbany student athletes donate more than 2,500 hours of community service annually supporting causes to help those less fortunate in New York’s Capital Region. 

UAlbany Softball players Lindsey Stout, Marlin Solano and Alexa Toole wrap presents for the Adopt-a-Family Program.

During the holiday season, UAlbany's Great Danes men's and women's teams support the Adopt-a-Family Program through the County of Albany Department for Children, Youth and Families. In addition, UAlbany football players assist Dr. Robert Paeglow – one of People Magazine's 'Heroes Among Us' – at his Koinonia Clinic in Albany. The players pitch in at 'Dr. Bob's' holiday party for young children and families in the Arbor Hill area of Albany.

For the remainder of the year, UAlbany student athletes extend support to causes including the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Walk in Washington Park, the 'Light the Night Walk' for Leukemia/Lymphoma, mentoring students at Hackett Middle School in Albany, hosting free soccer clinics for area children, and a variety of other charitable causes.

"It's very important for our teams to take the time to give back to the community that supports us as student-athletes," said Marlin Solano, a sophomore on UAlbany’s softball team. "Playing a Division I college sport comes certain responsibilities. As student-athlete leaders, it is our responsibility to provide service to those less fortunate. I am thankful to have grown up in such a great community and proud to call the Capital Region my home."

Season's greetings from UAlbany.

For more news, subscribe to UAlbany's RSS headline feeds