TEAM HELPS MAKE LOCAL FAMILES "HAPPY"

CUMBERLAND—Members of the CSP United U10 Girls Soccer team took time out of their busy practice schedules and preparing for their winter schedule by donating their time and efforts towards making baskets to help local families in need during the holidays.

By helping out Thursday night during the “Happy Baskets” campaign, the team got a chance to understand the meaning of giving back and learn about the plight of those who are facing difficult times in what is usually considered to be a festive and joyous time.

“It’s not just about playing the game that they love and are passionate about,” said CSP United Head Coach Dan Guerra. “As coaches, we also have to show the girls what is means to help out in the community. They help out a worthwhile cause and feel better about giving back to those who may not have as much.”

According to its website, The Happy Basket Program has come together to insure that families in need in Cumberland receive food baskets and toys over the holidays. The program delivered its first basket in 1992 and has distributed more than to 11,000 baskets over the past 22 years.

CSP United spent their time organizing the donated food and putting them into baskets to be shipped out during the week of Thanksgiving. Many of the teammates enjoyed helping out and saw how a charity aides others.

Guerra said while giving back is noble, it is not confined to just the holidays.

“There are many organizations out there that need help,” he said. “The need is not just during the holidays when people are paying attention. There is a need for something throughout the year, whether its donations of food time, money or blood. The team is doing its part now and throughout the season.”

The Happy Basket program is looking for donations from the community as well as volunteers to put the baskets together. For more details, please contact Lee Drury at 334-2555 at the Cumberland Senior Center or John Johnson at 487-1282.