EUGENE, Ore. - The Beacon Athletics Fall Service Day took place on Sunday and saw the return of a long held tradition that took a hiatus during the pandemic.
In 2021, student-athletes completed service projects around campus. This year the teams were once again able to participate in a "reverse shopping" canned food drive, canvasing multiple neighborhoods in Eugene with shopping carts in hand, going door-to-door to collect canned food, dry goods, toilet paper, and paper towels to benefit FOOD for Lane County. It was another remarkably successful event, bringing in over 1000 pounds of goods.
While returning athletes participated in the canned food drive, all new student-athletes (freshmen and transfers) also participated in a service project as part of Bushnell's orientation weekend, alongside the entire incoming class. Those student athletes were sent to multiple locations around Eugene and Springfield to assist with Project Hope, an annual event which distributes, backpacks, school supplies, shoes and more to those in need in the community.
Associate Athletic Director Sarah Freeman said, "I'm very proud of our student-athletes and the work they did this year. As a Christ-centered athletic department, service is central to our mission and a great way to kick off the year. Doing the canned food drive and participating in Project Hope allows our student-athletes to respond to a need and actively get involved with our community in an impactful way."
Community service projects are a key aspect of Bushnell's Champions of Character initiative, which itself is a pillar of the Tri-Athlete Model. Each year, all student-athletes participate in at least two service projects. Collectively, the Beacons have been known to contribute over 3000 hours annually through volunteer efforts locally and globally.