Jan. 16, 1998
Swimmers Reach out to Lend Helping Hand
The Christmas spirit is something we all try to embrace
about this time of year. For most of us, this means doing
simple favors for your friends, helping your parents around the
house or just simply being more open-mined about things. The
spirit gives us an aura that anything is possible at this time
of year.
Thanks to the Christmas spirit of Purdue's men's and
women's swimming programs, anything is possible! Their efforts
to make a difference this holiday season have brought many
smiles to a local family.
Members of both teams decided during the last meet of the
semester that it would be neat to help a family in need. The
group contacted the Community and Family Resource Center, who
put them in touch with "headstart", a federally funded program
dedicated to helping families get back on track.
The family was homeless just two months ago. Now, the
mother is going to school and working while trying to support
her two daughters, ages one and four.
The swimmers contributed by collecting money for the
family. When it was all said and done, they had collected $175
to help buy gifts for the family. "It's a great feeling knowing
we can do something to help," senior Marisa Watts said. "We are
so fortunate to be where we are, and now we're giving a little
back."
They are giving more than a little back. Their generosity
will allow a mother and her two daughters to enjoy the holiday
season. "All kids deserve a holiday season," Watts continued.
"Knowing that we brightened their lives is what is most
important."
Perhaps one of the most important lessons these
student-athletes have learned is not one taught in the
classroom or at the swimming pool, but rather one of
recognizing those in need and acting on the impulse of helping
them. The generosity, kindness and motivation they have
displayed is tremendous and its something of which Purdue
University is very proud.
(For more information, contact Brett Chabot at (765)
494-0472)
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