The Patriots aren’t just top athletes, they’re also standout citizens. Recently, a group of student-athletes from Sandy Creek High volunteered with Operation Christmas Child, building up shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to be delivered to children in need around the world.
Sandy Creek baseball and softball coach Nick Pou was thrilled to be able to share the opportunity.
“The first coaching job I had we started taking students here to volunteer. Each year we try to get a group of student-athletes over to volunteer,” said Pou. “It’s an eye-opening experience for the students, and they come away knowing they were a small part in making at least one child’s holiday special around the world.”
The participating Patriots, both current and graduated, were Parker Mallett, Emily Mallett, Hunter Maddox, Hailey Janeski, Colin Janeski, Kaden Brown, Beau Sheppard, Taylor Gancik, and Brooke Ganci.
“We always hope students come away with a sense of humility and be thankful for what they have,” said Pou. “We are so blessed to have what we think of as essentials, amazing teachers, and amazing families. It’s sometimes difficult for these students to see that this is not always the case for millions. This year they worked extremely hard and left wishing they could do more.”
