News Summary

In Evergreen Park, 25 high school soccer players volunteered to spread cheer among senior citizens at Avantara facility to celebrate Senior Citizen Month. Organized by Buddy’s Helpers, the event allowed young athletes from various schools to build connections through games and shared experiences, fostering friendships beyond their sports competitions. As they served snacks and engaged in activities like bingo and Uno, both seniors and students enjoyed moments of laughter and learning. This initiative emphasized the importance of community, compassion, and the lasting impact of volunteering.

Evergreen Park High School Soccer Players Spread Cheer to Senior Citizens

On a sunny Friday morning, the community of Evergreen Park buzzed with excitement as 25 high school soccer players from various local schools came together for a heartwarming event to celebrate Senior Citizen Month. Representing Brother Rice, Marist, Eisenhower, Shepard, Richards, and Mount Carmel high schools, these young athletes rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at the Avantara facility, a place dedicated to providing memory care services and other essential health services to senior residents.

Building Connections Beyond the Field

The event was organized by Buddy’s Helpers, a nonprofit based in Chicago that connects high school athletes with community service opportunities. This initiative is all about bringing together young people who typically might only meet on the soccer field, allowing them to strengthen friendships and bonds that extend beyond the competition. The energy was palpable as the athletes arrived at Avantara, ready to make a difference in the lives of the seniors they were about to meet.

As the morning progressed, the young volunteers served up a delicious spread of breakfast snacks, ensuring that no one went hungry. They played a few rounds of bingo, where laughter filled the air, along with some friendly competition. Uno games also brought out smiles, as residents and students alike enjoyed the simple pleasure of playing cards together. Engaging in these activities provided moments of joy and connection, something special that left everyone feeling uplifted.

Valuable Life Lessons

One of the volunteers, a senior from Eisenhower High School, shared that volunteering with Buddy’s Helpers has been an enriching experience over the past three years. He believes in the importance of “using your time in a useful way” to benefit the community, and participating in events like these certainly aligns with that philosophy. The coaches present encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the residents and their life experiences. They highlighted that these interactions could be as valuable as any training regimen on the field.

A core message echoed throughout the day was that while soccer may bring these athletes together, it is the relationships and friendships they build through volunteering that leave a lasting impact. The sentiment of forming connections that go beyond their sporting titles was an important takeaway for the young volunteers, who were reminded that “soccer isn’t forever.”

A Community Coming Together

Buddy’s Helpers aims to organize events like this on a monthly basis, bringing together athletes from different schools and teams who might not usually interact outside their competitive environments. Mixing athletes not only fosters sportsmanship but also promotes a sense of community and collaboration. By emphasizing shared experiences, they create lasting memories and friendships.

In addition to the fun and games, this volunteer day served as a meaningful reminder for the younger generation about the value of giving back. Engaging with the senior residents helped them understand the importance of compassion, kindness, and the role they can play in making their community a better place.

With each game of bingo called and each snack served, the connections formed during this event signified much more than just an outing. It showcased how young people and the senior citizens they engaged with share a rich tapestry of community, history, and human interaction that transcends the boundaries of age and athleticism.

As August unfolds, dedicated events like these continue to highlight the spirit of giving and the joy found in bringing people together, no matter the phase of life. Through their laughter, conversations, and activities, the high school soccer players of Evergreen Park proved that, indeed, there is strength in community and that every generation has something unique to offer.

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