TicketsFeb. 19, 2009
CINCINNATI - Although their season may be over, the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team has remained active in the community. Last week, they participated in Operation Warm-Up at the Hillel Jewish Student Center on Clifton Avenue. They teamed up with the UC United Way, the African American Cultural Research Center, and numerous fraternities and sororities for the cause.
"I think it is great the way the groups came together to help out for the common good of Cincinnati," said Heather Zucker, program director of the Hillell Jewish Center.
Operation Warm-Up is a program that helps homeless adults and children in the Cincinnati area by providing them with toiletry items like toothbrushes and deodorant as well as snacks and clothing. This is the 12th year that the center has participated in Operation Warm-Up.
For a few hours on Feb. 11 and 12, the men's soccer coaching staff and team helped pack up basic survival kits for those in need and loaded them onto trucks to be shipped off to area homeless shelters. During that time, they learned to appreciate just how fortunate they are. The team has participated in Operation Warm-Up twice in the past three years.
"At the heart of the program, with developing our players, we realize how important it is to build character," said Ensley. He explained the importance of teaching his players to be students of the community, a n important aspect of the UC Department of Athletics mission and a core value of the CATapult vision.
For the Bearcats, community service has become a common theme in their schedule. They participated in Operation School Bell last fall, which helped prepare local children for school by providing them with clothing and fitting them with shoes. The men's soccer team consistently helps out in the community year round, volunteering their time at least once every two months.