In a world that often emphasizes individual success and material gain comes a story that underscores the values of generosity, gratitude and community spirit.
The 14U Villains girls’ softball team recently collaborated with For the Love of Pete’s Pantry to provide lunches for needy families. The team – which is dedicated to providing opportunities for young girls – joined the pantry on Dec. 7 to prepare bagged lunches for families in need at Lions Lake Park in Voorhees.
Coach Dan Rothman, a cornerstone of the team’s success, set the tone for the day with a message on privilege and responsibility.
“I always look at our players first,” he said. “We need to understand that when our parents go out of their way with expensive bats, there are people in need, and they are fortunate to have those things. So, it’s important to give back.”
The team’s players embraced the lunch initiative with enthusiasm.
“I think it really helps,” noted ninth-grader Alexandria Rothman. “It makes me feel better about myself, and I know that if I help other people, it will be good. Eventually, it will come back to me, and the smallest things, like giving a compliment, make a difference.”
Another player, Alexa Jentsch, highlighted the team’s unity.
“We’re more of a family,” she explained. “We do a lot of fundraisers and help a lot of people in need. It was really good since it’s around the holidays.”
A poignant reflection came from player Natalie Olsen, who recently lost her former coach, Ken Harrison.
“I learned how to be a better person, spread kindness around the community, and I learned how to be a more positive person,” she said of her loss.
Paula Wallace, affectionately known as “team Grandma,” played a crucial role in securing sponsorship for the event.
“The company I work for actually sponsored our team,” Wallace noted. “I asked, and they said yes without hesitation. I think it’s important for them to give back because they get so much. To me, it comes so naturally, so they were looking forward to helping other families in need.”
While the lunch event was framed around providing for families in need, its true impact, according to participants, extends far beyond a single day or meal. It’s about instilling a lifelong commitment to service.
