Pearland ISD student-athletes and organizations give to others

December 21, 2009

HOUSTON — One of the greatest things a person can do is to share with those in need. When one comes to a stop light and sees a person with a sign asking for food...there is a reason that they are standing there. And if you think it is because they are making a fortune off the motorists at that intersection - think again!

While some will use money to buy alcohol or drugs -- there are many others who live under bridges or in dark alleys. They don't have a roof over their head and there may be women and children involved. Besides - what is a few dollars to most of us? If you spend money on lotto tickets - then you can afford to give away a few bucks to those who are in need.

We live in a society that frowns on this generation of young people. We cast a judgmental eye on their tattoos and piercings, but there are some great kids and organizatons in our community who are doing their part to minister to those in need.

Pearland HS girls sports donate food for the needy

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Pearland HS girls athletic teams collected 1.5 tons of canned goods to give to the Pearland Neighborhood Center in their effort to help needy Pearland families. The PHS girls have made this an annual affair for the past several years.

For the past several years, the Pearland ISD athletic office has encouraged all coaches and their student-athletes to become more involved in community service projects. The coaches and players have embraced his suggestion and have made positive donations to various non-profit organizations in Pearland that have helped hundreds of families -- especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

The PHS girls' athletic department, which includes cross country, basketball, volleyball, and softball, concluded a community service food drive earlier in the fall for the Pearland Neighborhood Center.

In a day when there are negative stories being written and broadcast on television about today's youth, it is refreshing to see the Pearland student-athletes involved outside of their particular sport serving others. While these student-athletes showcase their talents athletically, they also are demonstrating that they recognize the needs of others and are willing to share their compassion and love with those who are less fortunate in life.

"We estimated over 1.5 tons of food gathered this year for the Pearland Neighborhood Center," PHS volleyball coach John Turner said.

Turner has also been instrumental in organizing the largest high school volleyball tournament in the nation with all proceeds going to cancer research at M.D. Anderson.

The other PHS coaches and their players involved during this special food drive include: Lori Ziegelmeyer [cross country], Donna Vacek [basketball], and Laneigh Clark [softball].

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The Dawson HS softball team adopted two families with seven children for Christmas this year. Head coach Amanda Spencer was excited to see the love shared by her girls to these families.

Dawson softball team getting involved

The giving spirit has also been passed down to the Dawson softball team and they have responded by adopting two local families (7 children) for Christmas.

"We personally delivered the presents and gift cards to the families," said Dawson head softball coach Amanda Spencer.

Dawson football booster club makes gift to PNC

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Pearland Neighborhood Center director Kelly Perusse (left) receives a $1,000 check from Dawson Football Booster Club president Shannon Trahan. The DFBC responded to help purchase Christmas presents this season for young boys (13-17 years old) by the PNC. There is still time to make a worthy donation to PNC or other charitable organizatons for Christmas.

When word had gotten out that the Pearland Neighborhood Center needed some financial support to help purchase Christmas gifts for boys age 13-17, the Dawson Football Booster Club responded with a check for $1,000 to help meet this need.

"The booster club voted unanimously to make the contribution because PNC was having trouble fulfilling the requests for the teenagers," said Dawson Football Booster Club Shannon Trahan. "They had mentioned that everyone wants to buy gifts for the younger kids and that the teenage boys tend to be the most difficult to fill completely. The DFBC felt like this would be a good way to give back to the community and potentially even serve some of the students from DHS."

Pearland Lady Oilers donate $1,000 to PNC

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The Pearland Lady Oilers softball team and OUTBACK General Manager Zack Royon joined hands to raise money for the Pearland Neighborhood Center. A check for $1,000 was presented to PNC in support of their work in helping meet the needs of others all year round.

The Pearland Lady Oilers softball team joined hands with General Manager Zack Royon at OUTBACK to raise money for the Pearland Neighborhood Center. This has been an ongoing project each year in sharing funds with various organizations in the Pearland community.

Pearland Oilers football donated money to cancer research

During the 2009 football season - the Pearland Touchdown Club sold shirts with a large pink ribbon on the front with all proceeds being donated to breast cancer research during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

"We wanted to make sure we were doing our part in leading our community in this vital area of awareness while making a financial contribution to research as well," head coach Tony Heath said.

These are just a few of the examples that are taking place in Pearland. When people give and share with others -- it makes Pearland an even greater place to live. It isn't too late if you want to make a contribution to the Pearland Neighborhood Center or other charitable organizations during the Christmas season.

Remember the reason for the season!

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