Courtesy: University of Pennsylvania
Release:  11/21/2012 

Softball Joins Habitat for Humanity

PHILADELPHIA – The softball team worked with Habitat for Humanity last weekend in Pitman, N.J. The Quakers worked on a project that helps build houses for low-income families that otherwise would not be able to afford them. They spent all day Saturday gutting an old home donated for restoration by Parke Bank.

“We helped demolish a backyard porch, gazebo roof, and gutted the inside in preparation for the home to be completely re-fitted and upgraded,” said head coach Leslie King.

Two players who were very involved in the process of getting out and helping were seniors Lindsay Mann and Samantha Erosa. They wanted to focus on two things; most importantly they wanted to feel that they were making a difference and giving back to the community, and second, they wanted to bond as a team.

“It’s good to get off the field and do some things with the team that’s not softball and be reminded that there are bigger things than just the game,” said Mann.

Erosa also believes that they made a difference in some family’s life by assisting in the construction of their future home. In addition, she believes that process was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for herself and her teammates.

“I feel like our team is just becoming so much closer with each other and being able to spend eight hours in a closed environment like that – helping out the community and giving back – is a great way to build that dynamic and strengthen our bonds with each other,” said Erosa.

Once the home is completed, it will be offered interest-free to a low-income family by Habitat. In addition, the team is itching to donate more time to the property in order to see the project through.

Penn will continue to donate its time during spring training at the beginning of March. They will be working with an organization called Give Kids The World.