Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
Temple Athletics Participates in MLK Day of Service
1.17.23 | General
PHILADELPHIA – For some it was the first day back on Temple's campus following the winter break. But for the entire Temple Athletic department, it was a chance to get off campus and out in the community with the purpose of enriching the lives of others.
In a twist deserving of a suspense novel, we were the beneficiaries of the enrichment.
"We're out here today just giving back to the community and help support the holiday," said Temple football quarterback E.J. Warner. "We're just so blessed to be able to be what we do here at Temple University and with the entire athletic department, it's just fun to be able to come out here with all the other student-athletes and just give back. They give us so much support here, all the fans, so it's important to take time out of our day and do what we can to hopefully make a difference."
Many of Temple's sports teams have participated in a Day of Service in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the past. However, this was the first time that the entire athletic department, collectively, committed to working together for a unified community service project.
"I am so appreciative of the willingness of our coaches and student-athletes to make this Day of Service work," said Tia Withers, Temple Athletics Coordinator of Leadership Operations. "It was the largest volunteer effort in the history of our department, and I am so thankful for the enthusiasm and the joy that everyone had giving of their time and service. It made for a very memorable day."
The day began for the entire Temple University Athletics Staff and all 19 varsity athletics teams with a welcome back address from Vice President/Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson at McGonigle Hall. There, Johnson introduced Joy Juice founder and Temple alum Danny Alotta (STHM '98, FOX '01, '03) for an inspirational message. Alotta played football, basketball, and ran track in his time at Temple, all while battling cancer. He wrote a book called Joy Juice, which is what he called his chemotherapy treatment he received.
Alotta not only gave an inspiring talk to everyone, but he also joined in volunteering to give back to the community. Following his message, the group dispersed to various locations around the city of Philadelphia.
"Today was such a great day to give back to the community that gives so much to us," said women's lacrosse midfielder Erin King. "Being in Philly, there's so much that they do for us, so it was awesome to be able to volunteer and give back to the city."
In all, there were 15 locations where the athletics' staff lent a hand to do various chores such as cleaning, painting, gardening, food delivery, whatever that particular group needed. Those groups included: Marian Anderson Recreation Center, MLK Recreation Center, Beckett Life Community Center, Norris Homes Community Center, 8th and Diamond Recreation Center, North Light Community Center, Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran Settlement House, Victoria's Urban Outreach Tutoring Center, Julia W. Howe Elementary School, Amos Recreation Center, Jewish Relief Agency, Chosen 300 Ministries, and Ronald McDonald House.
"It's a great opportunity for us as an athletics' family to show how appreciative we are of the blessings that we have every single day," said football head coach Stan Drayton. "By also being a shining light to this community, and how much we care for them, and how much we think of them on our daily blessings that we get to obtain every single day, and to give back, show our appreciation to the city, and also remain humble as a University, as we continue to chase the great goals that we want to attain. This is one important piece of it that keeps us on humble ground, keeps us chasing hard, and we just appreciate the Marian Anderson Recreation Center for allowing us to get here today and doing whatever we can to help."
In a twist deserving of a suspense novel, we were the beneficiaries of the enrichment.
"We're out here today just giving back to the community and help support the holiday," said Temple football quarterback E.J. Warner. "We're just so blessed to be able to be what we do here at Temple University and with the entire athletic department, it's just fun to be able to come out here with all the other student-athletes and just give back. They give us so much support here, all the fans, so it's important to take time out of our day and do what we can to hopefully make a difference."
Many of Temple's sports teams have participated in a Day of Service in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the past. However, this was the first time that the entire athletic department, collectively, committed to working together for a unified community service project.
"I am so appreciative of the willingness of our coaches and student-athletes to make this Day of Service work," said Tia Withers, Temple Athletics Coordinator of Leadership Operations. "It was the largest volunteer effort in the history of our department, and I am so thankful for the enthusiasm and the joy that everyone had giving of their time and service. It made for a very memorable day."
The day began for the entire Temple University Athletics Staff and all 19 varsity athletics teams with a welcome back address from Vice President/Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson at McGonigle Hall. There, Johnson introduced Joy Juice founder and Temple alum Danny Alotta (STHM '98, FOX '01, '03) for an inspirational message. Alotta played football, basketball, and ran track in his time at Temple, all while battling cancer. He wrote a book called Joy Juice, which is what he called his chemotherapy treatment he received.
Alotta not only gave an inspiring talk to everyone, but he also joined in volunteering to give back to the community. Following his message, the group dispersed to various locations around the city of Philadelphia.
"Today was such a great day to give back to the community that gives so much to us," said women's lacrosse midfielder Erin King. "Being in Philly, there's so much that they do for us, so it was awesome to be able to volunteer and give back to the city."
In all, there were 15 locations where the athletics' staff lent a hand to do various chores such as cleaning, painting, gardening, food delivery, whatever that particular group needed. Those groups included: Marian Anderson Recreation Center, MLK Recreation Center, Beckett Life Community Center, Norris Homes Community Center, 8th and Diamond Recreation Center, North Light Community Center, Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran Settlement House, Victoria's Urban Outreach Tutoring Center, Julia W. Howe Elementary School, Amos Recreation Center, Jewish Relief Agency, Chosen 300 Ministries, and Ronald McDonald House.
"It's a great opportunity for us as an athletics' family to show how appreciative we are of the blessings that we have every single day," said football head coach Stan Drayton. "By also being a shining light to this community, and how much we care for them, and how much we think of them on our daily blessings that we get to obtain every single day, and to give back, show our appreciation to the city, and also remain humble as a University, as we continue to chase the great goals that we want to attain. This is one important piece of it that keeps us on humble ground, keeps us chasing hard, and we just appreciate the Marian Anderson Recreation Center for allowing us to get here today and doing whatever we can to help."
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