Jan. 18, 2010

Allendale, Mich. - On Saturday (Jan. 16), the Grand Valley State women's soccer team volunteered their time and efforts at the Kent County Animal Shelter and the Ronald McDonald House of Grand Rapids. The team split up into two groups and helped these organizations with performing numerous tasks.

Players spent their Saturday morning at the Kent County Animal Shelter bathing dogs and spending time with the animals. They also helped with organizing and sorting paperwork. Teammates over at the Ronald McDonald House helped with organizing, cleaning, and sorting the children's rooms. They also spent time playing and hanging out with the children.

"Anytime we can give back to the community and have our girls volunteer their time is essential to help them become well-rounded student-athletes," said assistant coach Erica Demers. "Giving a few hours to the Ronald McDonald house and the animal shelter, I think is beneficial for our girls to be put in a environment that is different from their own. Being a student-athlete at Grand Valley State we strive for our players to have balance and volunteering is a great way to help their overall development."