Annie Tavera, a Mount de Sales senior and volleyball player, was looking to “pay it forward” in the community and chose St. Martin’s Home, Little Sisters of the Poor as the recipient of her goodness. She enlisted the help of both the Junior Varsity and Varsity volleyball players along with the support of school principal Sister Mary Thomas and volleyball coach Monica Owensby.
The volleyball team members, along with their parents, baked cookies throughout the volleyball season to sell at the concession stands. The girls also sold blue wrist bands with the slogan, “Sailors for Sisters.” In addition, needed supplies for St. Martin’s Home were collected at the Homecoming Game. Sister Lawrence Mary and Sister Rosario Flor attended the Homecoming game between the Mount de Sales Sailors and Institute of Notre Dame Penguins where they accepted the supplies, watched the game, and cheered for the volleyball girls. Over $1,000 was raised by the volleyball teams!
When asked why St. Martin’s Home was chosen, Annie mentioned she was looking for an organization close to Mount de Sales as a way to support and give back to the community. Annie said she gained an understanding of the elderly and was able to witness the love the Little Sisters show their Residents.
The generosity of the volleyball players and their parents did not stop after the Homecoming game! The team wanted to do an activity with the Residents. Kitty Bowles, Activity Director, suggested a friendly competition of chair volleyball, and the game took place on Saturday, October 19. Annie said she is hoping Mt. de Sales volleyball teams will make this an annual event. Resident Mary Schuler wanted to know how soon the girls would be back! Annie commented that the Residents were so appreciative and seemed to have such a good time!
Hot dogs, chips, punch and assorted cookies were offered as refreshments after the game. There were more than 20 Residents participating along with Little Sisters and the volleyball players. Everyone is looking forward to a rematch next volleyball season!
“SAILORS FOR SISTERS” – “BUMP, SET, SPIKE!”