CLARION, Pa. – Just hours before their final spring practice of the year, members of the Clarion football team found time to give back to the community when they arrived with care packages for the Shelter Task Force on Friday afternoon.

(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Athletics)

The initiative, started by junior defensive lineman Alec Heldreth, generated hordes of donations from the families and friends of the Golden Eagle football program, as well as members of the team.

“I transferred here from Lake Erie, and we did something similar to this in the city of Painesville, Ohio,” Heldreth said. “When I brought the idea to my teammates, everyone was on board to help out. Guys realize we’re blessed with the opportunity to attend college and play football, and it’s important for us to give back and help people who need it.”

The packages included essentials that many people take for granted, but are expensive and hard to come by for those with limited means. Toiletries like toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, and other bathing supplies were donated, as well as clothing and snacks.

The response from the community was encouraging as well. According to Heldreth, the Berlin Brothersvalley High School football team donated 14 boxes of goods. Other major contributors included Chartwell’s and the Skundrich and Heldreth families.

After meeting to collect the boxed donations, head coach Chris Weibel and a large contingent of other players walked to the Clarion County Human Services building to drop them off. There, Erin Wallace from the Shelter Task Force greeted them and thanked the team for their efforts.

“We get folks that tell us they have no food and nowhere to go, and we help them with transition housing and give them a safe place to go,” Wallace said. “I’m sure you know people in your lives who aren’t as fortunate as you are, and I can tell you these donations mean the world to people.”