MACOMB, Ill.- The Western Illinois softball team has been active in the community this fall, helping care for animals at the Humane Society of McDonough County and helping with physical education activities at St. Paul School.

Most recently, sophomore Ashley Campbell and freshman Sandy Moore went to St. Paul School to promote healthy lifestyles by discussing healthy eating tips with the students as well as facilitating some fun games.

“We facilitate the extracurricular activities and pick the games they play,” said Moore. “It’s fun since we get to reconnect with our youthful side. The children are so adorable and I really enjoy participating, I forget sometimes what it is like to be so carefree.”

This week was the second time the two players have gone to the school to participate in a community service program developed by a fellow Western Illinois student, Shanel Romaine. About a month ago, Romaine decided she wanted to start a community outreach program with Western Illinois student-athletes and St. Paul School to gain more experience working with athletes and the community as it will be beneficial for her as she aspires to work in community relations with a professional sport organization after college.

“An advisor of mine told me to talk to Sue Danner (CHAMPS/Life Skills Coordinator) because she would be able to help me with my project,” said Romaine. “We started the program last week and it will take place on Tuesday’s for the next 4-6 weeks. I am learning how to work with student-athletes and the community and I really enjoy coordinating the events and seeing them take place.”

On Tuesday’s from 1-2:15 p.m., Campbell and Moore spend time with the kindergarten, first and third grade classes. Each session starts with the two players talking about topics such as healthy eating tips followed by a fun playground game such as “red-rover”.

“Sue Danner asked us to do some extra community service and we thought it would be a lot of fun since we like working with kids,” said Campbell. “It always brings a smile to my face knowing that I can help them out and they are having fun.”

Volunteering at the Humane Society of McDonough County
The Fighting Leatherneck softball team spent its Halloween morning last weekend volunteering at the Humane Society of McDonough County. Members of the team spent time walking the dogs and playing with the cats. In addition to just having fun with the animals, the players also helped with cleaning the animals cages as well as making sure their food and water dishes were filled.

This is the team’s first visit to the facility this semester and the players plan to make a few more trips throughout the fall before the start of the season. The Leathernecks are not strangers to volunteering at the Humane Society as they actively spent time with the animals at the shelter last year.

To look at some photos of the players at the Humane Society of McDonough County, please CLICK HERE.