By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
On Wednesday, July 13 Students United to Volunteer hosted a baseball
camp and basketball game at the Gadsden Sports Complex to benefit the
Etowah County Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls Club recently
recieved a new facility, and the group wishes to provide the needed
money for equipment and supplies.
The baseball camp featured student volunteers teaching children basic
baseball skills. About 35 children attended. The children were split
into groups based on skill level and attended stations to learn
hitting, catching, fielding and running bases.
The kids received tickets to a Rome, Ga., Braves baseball game and a
baseball cap.
The camp was deemed a success as the kids enjoyed themselves.
“I saw one showing a kid how to stand,” said event co-organizer Lisa Bishop.
After the camp, the volunteer group planned to host a charity softball
game. The plans were dashed by a sudden rainstorm, but the group
rallied and changed plans to a basketball game.
Lisa’s daughter Lora Catherine Bishop started the Students United to
Volunteer after her experience with Physicians Who Care. Bishop
enjoyed volunteering so much that she wanted to share the experience
with others her age. As an incoming senior at Gadsden City High
School, she saw a need to connect regular teenagers with volunteer
work, as they often do not know where to go. Lora has learned event
organization and leadership skills from her three elections as class
president.
“It does a mother’s heart good,” said Lisa about her daughter’s
motivation to start the group.
Student United to Volunteer has a Facebook page, where the public can
learn more about the group’s volunteer projects.
Sponsors for the event included East Gadsden Sporting Goods, Osborn
Foodservice, Physicians Who Care, Brandon Tinsley of First Federal
Mortgage, Randall Tallent of Coosa Properties and McDonald’s.