Evergreen Reporter

Central Washington University Athletics issued the following on Dec. 25

Men's Basketball Serves Community at FISH!

Prior to the Thanksgiving break, the Central Washington University men's basketball team volunteered at FISH Food Bank in Ellensburg.

FISH has operated in Kittitas County since 1971 as a collaborative resource for food and help to anyone in need in Kittitas County.

What was your experience like while volunteering at FISH?

Gaige Ainslie: I thought my time at the Fish Foodbank was a fun learning and bonding experience, because we were able to help our local community and also learn about the town and the community by talking to the other volunteers.

David Lindgren: I had a great experience working with my teammates building that sense of community.

Kyson Rose:  I had a really good time with the two gentlemen present! Richard was very helpful and super kind! It felt really good to get out as a team and do volunteering! The people bringing back the truckloads of food were also super friendly and helpful! I enjoyed my time there and hope we get the opportunity to go back!

Lewis Pope:  It was a great experience being able to help FISH Foodbank and contribute to the community.

What did you do while volunteering?   What did you enjoy?

Gaige: During my two hour shift , we unloaded trucks, weighed the food then sorted them in there appropriate boxes. I really enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference in my new home.

David: We assisted with unloading donation trucks and sorting the donations to be distributed.

Kyson: We removed food from trucks and weighed them, after weighing the boxes of food we (with gloves on) removed each can from the boxes and sorted them by food category. For example we had a pasta section a meat section and even a thanksgiving section along with many more. I enjoyed knowing we were doing something good for others and as a team! I enjoyed getting to know the two gentlemen whom both served in our Army.

Lewis:  We helped unload and organize the food that was donated. I really enjoyed being able to give back to the community with my teammates and the volunteers at FISH Foodbank.

What is it like to volunteer with your teammates?

Gaige: I thought it was really fun to volunteer with my teammates. I saw a new side of my teammates that I never have seen.

David:  It was very enjoyable to give back to the community with my brothers, making volunteering fun.

Kyson: Volunteering with my teammates was super fun and productive! We got to work with our assistant coach Drew Church as well and it was just super fun getting to hangout with my teammates and coaches, getting to connect to everyone for a good two hours off the court was an awesome experience for me as a freshman.

Lewis:  It's always a good time being around teammates and being able to help the community while doing so was great.

What was the biggest takeaway from volunteering at FISH?

Gaige: One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of the Foodbank to the community especially during these times where donations are really needed. I thought it was a good opportunity to grow as a team and help our community during these challenging times.

David: My biggest take away was how easy it can be to make a big impact when a group of people come together to work for a common good.

Kyson:  My biggest takeaway was to appreciate where I'm at and what I have. There are people who don't have as much as I do and it just made me appreciate where I'm at and I now have a greater desire to find more ways to serve those in need.

Lewis:  I learned a lot about all the things that go behind being able to provide this service for the community and how kind and generous the people at FISH are.

Original source can be found here