Giving back: Liberty student-athletes serve the community through holiday initiatives

With the holiday season upon us, Liberty University’s NCAA Division I student-athletes are using their platforms to make a positive impact in Lynchburg through several community service initiatives.

On Oct. 31, when costumed children across the country went door to door trick-or-treating, Liberty’s student-athletes did the same. However, instead of candy, these students were asking for something much more life-changing: canned goods.

During the Trick Or Treat So Others Can Eat initiative, student-athletes visited neighborhoods in the area with their respective teams and collected canned goods and nonperishable food items for local food pantries. Overall, Liberty Athletics collected 8,769 food items, shattering the original goal of 7,000. Liberty Football led the way with 1,413 items raised.

“It’s just so awesome going to a university that is Christ-centered,” said Lady Flames Lacrosse junior Kendall Nye. “We are called to be servant-hearted people, so being able to do this and give back to our community as a team is so impactful. I love that I am able to serve others and help someone else out of the love Jesus has given me. I have been able to love these other people that I may never meet, but I’m still able to provide for them in these simple ways.”

The following day, the student-athletes sorted the items before they were delivered to their respective destinations. This year, proceeds benefitted The Fillin’ Station at Timberlake Church, Feed the Need at New London Church, The Lynchburg Daily Bread, and the Liberty Commuter Food Pantry. In addition, some of the donations were given to Robert S. Payne Elementary School to be used as Thanksgiving meals for their students and families.

“When we go into the community, whether we are actually sharing the Gospel and talking about Jesus or not, we are still being a light to others,” said senior Samantha Troup, who competes on Liberty’s Cross Country and Track & Field programs. “A lot of times, actions speak louder than words. Being able to go out and be active in the community and give back lets people see Jesus’ love in us.”

Troup said she recalls members of local college basketball teams encouraging her and her classmates to read when she was in elementary school. This intentionality by former student-athletes inspired her to likewise serve her community.

“I don’t like to read, but I remember being so motivated just because they talked to us,” she said. “It’s super cool for me to go back into the community as an adult. Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat wasn’t specifically with children, but it’s cool to see that although to me I’m not that big of a deal, the things I do in this community actually have an effect.”

“A lot of people look up to us athletes, so the fact that we can serve and really change their lives is really important,” added Liberty Football junior running back Jaylin Belford, who grew up in Lynchburg. “Jesus called us to serve this world, so it’s super important for us as believers to go out and serve the community.”

The event was just one of many that Liberty Athletics has planned before Winter Break. This month, the university plans to perform a Flames Entertain talent show for residents of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities. On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Flames and Lady Flames will host the third annual A Day at the North Pole at Cedar Oaks Farm in a partnership with Helping Out Loud Ministries. The event provides an opportunity for children with disabilities and their families to celebrate the Christmas season with holiday-themed crafts, games, snacks, and more.

In addition, Liberty Athletics will be partnering with local ministry Hope is Everything, Inc. to do Christmas shopping for foster children.

Last week, Liberty Football served at a local Salvation Army.

Through community service, student-athletes are constantly reminded of the blessings God has given them.

“It’s very humbling (to serve) and puts us back into the (mindset) that things are hard, and it’s very important to look after each other,” senior cheerleader Tyler King said. “One of the callings Christ Jesus tells us is to look after and love your neighbor as yourself. Having these events where we go into the community and give back really promotes that humility that Christ showed. It gives us a constant reminder that we don’t deserve what we have, and we gain happiness and peace only through Christ Jesus.”