Averett Athletics totaled an economic benefit of $6,807 after partnering with neighborhood associations in the sixth annual Day to Engage. Averett provided 282 hours of service with 180 volunteers. This years Day to Engage was different from past years, as the teams adopted the block of Westmoreland neighborhood and HeadStart preschool.
"There is a lot of work around neighborhoods and building up pride in specific communities right now," assistant director of the Center of Community Engagement Rachel Covington said. "We wanted to filter into that movement and help as much as we could."
Covington said the residents were involved in choosing what needed to be done in their living space and they were excited to see the athletes helping out.
"A few of the neighbors came out with a big smile, and asked us about being from Averett," freshman soccer player Asher Francis said. "They were happy to have us here and us being out here gave them a smile."
Francis said as the team planted rose bushes, they laughed together and worked to get the job done to the best of their ability.
"By doing volunteer work it actually involves us into the community and allows us to realize how important it is to help out," Francis said.
Day to Engage on the Block allowed student-athletes to see and interact with parts of the community that they don't get to see on a daily basis.
"I think the students are able to see something outside of their life at Averett and they are able to get out into the community that they are actually living in," Covington said.
Freshman wrestler Dia Gray says he had a bonding experience with both his teammates and the community around him as they cleaned up large debris in overgrown areas on Valley street.
"It's a good chance to show that we can be engaged in a new area," Gray said. "There is a lot to do to help out."
Sophomore volleyball player, Brianna Williams was also joined by her team and coaches as they took part in a beautification process of entry ways to Westmoreland neighborhood.
"Normally we work with kids, so this is something new," Williams said. "Doing outdoor work was cool for the first time as a team. Hopefully it is something whoever lives in this development can be proud of."
Williams said the sunny day of volunteering was lively and fun as the team bonded and took a break from school work.
"I think it really helps us as a team, we lost a lot of seniors so these small bonding opportunities are important for us as we are preparing for next season," Williams said.
Covington says a huge goal for Day to Engage is to open students' eyes to the lives of other people and the basic needs of the community so that they are encouraged to get more involved throughout the year.
"It is so helpful for our non-profits because it helps to build their non-profit capacity," Covington said. "They may not have the human capacity, or the resources to accomplish these projects, so it really helps them when we can go in and help."
The students left a huge momentum that will continue within the neighborhood association after volunteering a total of 282 hours and gardening interest and excitement from residents. The university and athletic teams look forward to serving the community daily and planning out next years Day to Engage.
