North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Women Bring Holiday Cheer To Local Family
11/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 25, 2010
RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State women’s basketball team recently took time out of its busy schedule this week to purchase groceries for a needy family, with the intent to provide a Thanksgiving feast for someone in the local Triangle area.
The team, in conjunction with the folks over in student-athlete development, utilized the Wake County Holiday Cheer Program. Holiday Cheer is a one-on-one sponsorship program, with emphasis on personal interaction between you and your Holiday Cheer family.
The Wolfpack were matched with a family based on donor preferences and location.
So between a road game last Saturday at Richmond, and Tuesday’s home victory over Old Dominion, the Wolfpack women collected $140 and went shopping at the Food Lion on Avent Ferry Road.
“Our team took part of their meal money to buy groceries for this family,” said NC State head coach Kellie Harper. “I think that speaks volumes of the character of our team, and what quality people we have. These are just good kids and they have great hearts and I’m really happy they were able to share with the family.”
With a shopping list in hand, all 14 members of the team had a great time picking out requested items to make this turkey day a special one.
“We had quite a bit of money to spend,” said junior Kim Durham. “The shopping list had a couple special items, including Krispy Kreme Honey Rolls.
“We got a variety of everything. We got a honey baked ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce. All the fixings for a great meal.”
Durham, a local from Apex, N.C., thought this was a great idea when it was first brought up to the team.
“I’ve always been interested in helping people out at Thanksgiving. I know it’s a special time of year.
“As athletes we are in a position where were able to show other people an example to be a role model. It’s just really special to do be able to do something for somebody else, and to be put in a position where you can actually help someone out.”
Teammate Bonae Holston echoed similar thoughts, who mentioned she had done some work back in high school with the Red Cross, but never anything that included working in concert with a family
“We’re so fortunate to be part of NC State women’s basketball,” Holston said. “It feels great to help out someone less fortunate. It made me want to do more things like that.
“When we drove the food to the house the kid’s smiles on their faces made it great and you could tell the mom was getting emotional. We told her not to cry because that would have made all of us cry too.”
Student-athletes are put in a unique situation during the holidays. It winds up being a great time to travel and play games without missing class. The women’s basketball team has traditionally traveled for a tournament during the Thanksgiving break.
“In college basketball there is a great chance that you will not be home for Thanksgiving,” said NC State head coach Kellie Harper. “The reason being it’s an easy time to travel so your players won’t miss class. You do have to have a bond with current players and teammates because it is your family, so we’re going to be spending this holiday with our family, just not our traditional family.”
Fresh off a down-to-the-wire win over Old Dominion on Tuesday night, NC State boarded a plane Wednesday morning for snowy Reno, Nev. The Pack is taking part in the Nugget Classic on Friday and Saturday, hosted by the University of Nevada. The “other” Wolf Pack.
While the holidays are a time of year when every child dreams of receiving that "special" toy, the main focus of the Wake Country Cheer program is on practical basic needs that will be useful all year like coats, clothing, school supplies, and household items.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the Wake County Holiday Cheer program can go to their website here.
The entire Wolfpack women’s basketball program wishes everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!
