University of Maine Augusta Community Outreach

WATERVILLE, Maine – Members of the University of Maine at Augusta women’s basketball team spent last Friday morning volunteering at the Waterville Humane Society. The team, along with head coach Jennifer Laney, traveled to the facility to offer a helping hand with washing dishes, cleaning kennels and walking dogs. The team also brought a donation of pet food and treats.

Laney tries to create as many opportunities as possible for community involvement for her team, as a way to give back, as well as a way to promote team bonding.

“As a coach, I feel that it is important to come together as a team and give back to the community,” Laney said. “Today at the animal shelter, the players were more than willing to do anything asked of them.”

In some cases, the athletes just spent time cuddling with the various animals, as well as walking the dogs. The decision to volunteer at the humane society came from one of the players who mentioned that this particular shelter was low on volunteers and many of the animals did not get the opportunity to spend much time outside.

“We came together as a team to offer support to a great cause, and we grew closer to one another by sharing in this experience of giving back,” Laney said. “We will take these lessons with us on our journey and continue to grow as a team, giving back as much as we can.”

If you are interested in volunteering at the Waterville Humane society, or in adopting an animal, please visit the website at http://www.hswa.org/. 

Article Courtesy of Kim Lloyd