Oct. 4, 2006

Columbia, SC – The Gamecock softball season will not begin for several months, but some of the players will be making an impact on Columbia this off season through community service projects. Junior Kate Pouliot and sophomore Ashton Payne, along with teammates, will participate in Serve the City, a weekend devoted to improving a local family shelter. They will work on improving and expanding the Family Shelter of Columbia, the only emergency family shelter in the Midlands area.

The service project is being headed up by Midtown Fellowship, a group made mostly of college students, who meet twice a month for worship services and are committed to improving the Midlands area. Pouliot and Payne signed up for Serve the City following one of Midtown Fellowship’s worship services.

“I got interested in helping the Family Shelter of Columbia because it is a family shelter and I love little kids,” said Pouliot. “Last year, they had 700 people try to get into the shelter and they could only take 65. We are only doubling the capacity so it still will not be enough, but it will be better.”

Serve the City will take place October 6-8. Services provided will include construction, cleanup, decorating, and painting. Midtown Fellowship hopes to provide housing for up to 16 families who would otherwise be living on the streets. The shelter currently has room for eight families. Volunteers will also give much needed improvements to the shelter’s playground.

“We will also work on the playground areas, which are in bad condition. It is dangerous and there aren’t any fences or anything to keep the children safe,” said Pouliot.

The Gamecock softball team will be participating in several community service projects this year. Last year, several players trick-or-treated for canned foods to help local charities. This year’s agenda includes walking local elementary and middle school students to school in celebration of Be Active Day, and taking part in a team-wide project to benefit the community.

Serve the City is still looking for volunteers and donations. For more information call (803) 622-7987.