Rowan Athletics

GLASSBORO, NJ – Some sports teams choose to begin their season by taking time to reconnect after winter break. This year, the Rowan University softball team chose to take that time to unify themselves through a day of community participation and volunteerism.

Head coach Kim Wilson knew that volunteering would be an excellent and worthwhile start to the season. After much research and planning, she decided on the venue of their volunteer efforts – Habit for Humanity. “We had a lot of choices as to where we could volunteer, but Habitat for Humanity was something different,” Wilson recalled. So on January 18th, the team headed to the Habitat ReStore location in Pennsauken, NJ. With Wilson’s admirable example of volunteerism and leadership, the players put their skills together for a day of fun, laughter, work and service.

The team was able to assist Habitat for Humanity in its tireless efforts and dedication to build houses for those in need. With the help of willing volunteers like the Rowan softball team, the non-profit organization has been able to build thousands of homes. Funds for these homes are raised through Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore locations. These stores collect donated items such as appliances, furniture, household accessories and building materials. The goods are then resold to raise money for the houses. The softball team was given the unique opportunity of working in one of these stores and taking time to clean, fix and prepare the contributed items.

“I was really excited to go to the store,” said senior catcher Steph Taraschi. “It gave me a chance to give back and help other people. It felt really good to help out with everything, even while building skills. I got a lot of enjoyment out of being able to reorganize some of the furniture and accessories so that they could be sold.”

A freshman catcher, Maggie Brace, also benefited from the time spent at the store. “I was excited to volunteer at the ReStore, but didn’t know what to expect and was actually a little anxious.” However, as soon a she entered the building, Brace was immediately put at ease. “The people who worked there were very nice and helpful!” she exclaimed. “We weren’t physically going out and building houses, but we were able to do some of the behind-the-scenes work.”
Will they do it again? “Absolutely!” shared Wilson. “It was a very positive experience. The organization will be doing some building work in the summer, so we hope to go back in the summer or fall and work on some of the houses.”

If you would like to volunteer your time to a local Habitat for Humanity center, check out these two ReStore locations:

305 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071. 856-256-9400.
6955 Central Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08109. 856-486-0040

To join the Rowan University Habitat for Humanity club, contact Robert Taclan: taclan59@students.rowan.edu

For more information on Habitat for Humanity, log on to www.habitat.org.