JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – This week is spring break for many Eastern Iowa students, but some University of Iowa students are choosing to stay on campus a little longer and participate in a good cause.
Spring break for University of Iowa students officially began Friday, but 12 footfall athletes chose to use their first weekday off to give back to the university community.
Deshaun Lee was one of 12 University of Iowa football players who spent Monday of spring break volunteering with Meals on Wheels throughout Johnson County.
Meal on Wheel helps seniors in eastern Iowa meet their daily nutritional needs by providing hot meals every day. It helps them continue living in their home.
“There are people out there who need help, but probably most people don't want it. I have the opportunity to do that,” Deshawn said. “The community fully supports Iowa football and we are very grateful for that, so any time we can do community service or give back, we want to do it.”
For others, it was their first time volunteering with Meals on Wheels.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing how people react to us going through the day, to see people's reactions. That's what I'm really looking forward to,” said Kenneth, one of the football players. Meriwether said.
This is part of a partnership with The Swarm Collective, which helps create opportunities for Iowa athletes to serve Iowa charities and nonprofits.
Athletes took on four different routes to deliver hot meals to seniors and people with disabilities in Johnson County.
These four routes taken by football players were spread between North Liberty, Iowa City, and Coralville. There were about 17 deliveries on one route.
“Having these football players and student-athletes means a lot to our clients. It puts a big smile on their faces. They talk about it for days,” Johnson County Meals on Wheels said. said Stephanie Schmidt, Volunteer Coordinator. “It means so much to see such famous athletes come to your doorstep with food and interact with them.”
while helping to bring young faces to the program.
“I would say 85 to 90 percent of our volunteers are probably over 50 years old. A lot of them are retired,” Schmidt said. “Having young people involved in the community and engaging with older adults is not only good for us as a program, but also for our clients themselves, if they just smile, communicate, and show a friendly face. It's very meaningful.” “
Always giving back.
“It just feels good. I don't know who I'm helping, but just know that I'm helping someone and maybe changing someone's life.” Please. It feels good to me,” said Ms. Lee.
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