Carson-Newman University football team to expand Day of Service beyond campus

(July 13, 2015) — Carson-Newman University’s football team will dedicate Saturday, July 18, to serving others the Jefferson City community.

The football team’s annual Day of Service has been a summer tradition for years, with players putting their efforts toward improving the campus. This summer they extend their service to business and property owners in Jefferson City’s historic downtown area.

“It’s just another form of giving of ourselves,” Carson-Newman Head Football Coach Ken Sparks says. “Anytime you give of yourself you’re better off, and we certainly want to find ways to encourage our guys to be involved in the community and do things that help other people. That’s important for us.“

Players will split up into groups and spend the morning performing yard work, cleanup, maintenance, repair and more. The university will provide breakfast and a barbecue lunch.

Carson-Newman’s Bonner Center Volunteer and Events Coordinator Xany Moore says lending a helping hand is vital, but this service goes even deeper.

“I think it’s always interesting to make sure you have a comprehensive look at your community,” Moore says. “It’s so easy when you’re in college to get lost in the bubble and not go beyond that, but there is a great thriving community here and it’s very important to get involved with them and to meet them.” “A person standing alone can’t get much done by himself,” Sparks says. “Anything we can do to encourage them to build relationships is exactly what we want to do.”

Businesses the team will help include Sustainable Aquatics, Ashton Britt Service Company, Jefferson Dance Studio and the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department.