Student-Athletes Serve Holiday Meal

By Coy Gill
UTSports.com

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— On Sunday, Nov. 19 more than 100 University of Tennessee student-athletes gathered to serve Knoxville's homeless population at the Community Holiday Meal in Anderson Training Center's Smokey's Sport Grill. The annual event allows Tennessee student-athletes to do what they do best, volunteer.

The Community Holiday Meal is a joint venture between Volunteer Ministries and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). For over 15 years UT student-athletes have hosted the event in service of Knoxville's homeless population. SAAC and the student-athletes take the lead on planning the event, overseeing food selection, greeting guests, serving food, and playing games in fellowship with attendees.

This year, in addition to food and fellowship, student-athletes gave away toiletry packets and a T-shirt or scarf. UT Fan Experience also gave each attendee one free admission to a basketball or volleyball match.

Dr. Bruce Spangler, the CEO of Volunteer Ministries, knows the event is cherished by Knoxville's homeless not only for the service, but also for getting to be shoulder-to-shoulder with UT student-athletes.

"In our culture, athletes are really almost worshipped, so to come and rub shoulders with them is a great experience (for the homeless community)." Dr. Spangler said, "It is something that they are really excited about."

The event not only impacts those being served, but also each student-athlete who participates.

Kayla Smith, the Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Engagement, feels this is a fantastic chance for student-athletes to gain experience in doing community service.

"Everyone comes from a different background," Smith said. "Perhaps some have had an opportunity to participate in an event like this, and perhaps some have not… to serve our community in such a way as this, is wonderful."

Senior coxswain for the rowing team and SAAC president Jennifer Davis sees this as a bonding event.

"I think it's a really good experience, because as a department we think about unity within athletics, but then this program allows us to think about unity within the community," said Davis.

Spending a couple of hours serving those who are less fortunate is an eye-opening experience for the student-athletes.

"I think with how busy we are it's easy to kind of just get lost in the daily routine, and then when you start playing bad, you feel like your world is falling apart," said redshirt sophomore golfer Nolan Ray. "But an event like this can help you really appreciate what you have and work harder."

All these aspects come together to form an evening of service that is wholly enjoyable by both the served and server.

"I know for the rowing team in general, this is our favorite community service outreach each year. Everyone gets really excited about it," said Davis.

University of Tennessee Athletics

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