December 10, 2007
Through their “Adopt-a-Unit” outreach campaign, the inaugural men’s and women’s Tars lacrosse teams mailed a total of 60 boxes filled with supplies to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The initiative began in September when the Tars went out into the community to various Central Florida Albertsons, Walgreens and the Winter Park Farmer’s Market to collect items needed by the troops. Collection boxes were also located throughout the Rollins campus, and at Winter Park City Hall and the Winter Park Library. In addition to supplies, more than $500 in cash donations was raised and is helping to pay for shipping.
“We wanted to introduce our players to the local community in a meaningful way,” said Men's Lacrosse Coach Andrew Baxter. “We feel we’re very lucky to be healthy athletes and this is a great opportunity to help people that are fighting for us.”
The first 25 boxes were shipped in October. Just in time for the holidays, the Tars gathered items and sent an additional 35 boxes. Through America Supporting Americans, a non-profit organization that links individual units in all branches of the military with communities across the country, the teams adopted two units, the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment Unit and the 173rd ABCT Task Force Saber.
“We’re the same age as a lot of the soldiers over there,” said Andrew Cohen, a sophomore on the men’s lacrosse team. “Through letters and e-mails, they like to know what we’re doing and that we’re thinking about them.”
The Tars efforts’ to help the troops were featured in “Building Community” on Central Florida’s Channel 13, the local 24-hour television station. Read the story online. Local Bright House Networks customers may view the feature until January 11 on News13 On Demand, Channel 313, by selecting Central Florida News 13, Building Community, Adopt a Unit.
The teams plan to continue the effort in the new year. Suggested items for soldiers included pain relievers, Chapstick, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, protein and snack bars, snack foods, tuna in a pouch, powdered drink mixes, magazines, pens and more. Click here for the complete list of suggested items.
