It’s the season for giving and a Bahamian collegiate tennis player, Sydney Clarke, is doing just that. She is home from college for the Christmas holidays and has started a food and toy drive for the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel, set for Tuesday December 22, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Complex at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre.
The 18-year-old said that she saw a story on local television a few weeks ago, with the children from the hostel in need. She was moved to find a way to assist in some form.
“A few weeks ago, I saw a segment on the Children Emergency Hostel. One of the business administrators was explaining that the pantry needed to be restocked and because I have the contacts and resources, I felt as though as a citizen and a person, that I should help out,” Clarke said.
The items she’s accepting for the drive are Christmas presents, seldom used clothing, shoes, hand sanitizers, toiletries, disposable utensils and non-perishable items.
Recently, Clarke walked away with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Athlete of the Year Award. Pertaining to the food and toy drive, Clarke said she has gotten positive feedback and that word is getting around. There is not a goal in the amount of items she wants to be donated but she wants to put a smile on children’s faces this Christmas.
“So far, I have a lot of support,” Clarke said. “The feedback from so many people have been positive and other people have been sharing my flyer and getting word around. It resulted in more inquiring about details and different ways that they can assist and donate. I did not set a goal. I let it flow and try to focus on getting as much people to get the word out there as possible. I just hope that it puts a smile on the children’s faces when they see the presents, the food and the snacks. I hope it sends a positive message to everyone in the country that despite COVID, there are ways that we can assist our communities. We should not be afraid or so uptight when it comes to giving.”
The freshman who just completed her first semester at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), hopes to make this an annual event but wants to target different children’s homes each year.
“I plan to make it an annual event. I may probably do it for a new foster home each year and just rotate it every year. Next year, maybe we can donate to the Ranfurly Homes for Children and another home the following year then come back like a cycle,” Clarke said.
If persons need to drop off items before December 22, they can do so at the national tennis center. It can be dropped off from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Other than this initiative, Clarke has been home training and preparing for her spring season as well as spending time with her family.
The post Clarke giving to a worthy cause this Christmas appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/clarke-giving-to-a-worthy-cause-this-christmas/
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