University of Maryland Athletics

Maryland Made 11/28/2023 8:24:00 AM Alyssa Muir, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

Terps Give Back With Terps Giving

It was another successful Terps Giving in College Park as Maryland student-athletes showed out in big numbers once again to give back to the community.

Through Maryland Made, Maryland Athletics participated in Terps Giving yet again over the past month, allowing Maryland student-athletes, coaches, and staff across all different teams to find ways to donate to those in need.

"Food insecurity is something that is still prevalent so SAAC is always excited to have their annual event," said Déja Parker, Maryland Athletics' Community Engagement Intern.

During this year's Terps Giving, the overall goal was to come together as a department to support the College Park community. Unlike previous years, Terps Giving had no competitive aspect this year; the goal was just to see how many items could be collected amongst student-athletes and staff. Fifty percent of the donations will go to the UMD Campus Pantry, and the other 50 percent will go to St. Mark's Parish Hyattsville, a local church nearby.

"Seeing all of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators take the time to donate to something so much bigger than our sports has made me proud to be a Terp," said Ava Trexler of Maryland field hockey. "It has been awesome to be a part of something that will help those in need right around our own campus."

In total, Maryland student-athletes, coaches, and staff donated close to 1,000 different items, mostly canned goods.

"I am extremely proud of all of the student-athletes who went above and beyond to have yet another successful Terps Giving. There were about 1,000 items donated which is amazing," Parker said. "The SAAC Executive Board were great leaders in taking charge of making sure that other teams participated and understood the importance of this cause by sending reminders and text messages."

Working to decrease food insecurity has been a particularly powerful cause for those involved.

"We have a social responsibility as a department to give back to the community in which we are located," Parker said. "As much as student-athletes love when fans in the local community come to their games, there needs to be just as much excitement to support the same community in times of need."

Fortunately, Maryland student-athletes showcased their immense care for the cause by donating in a big way.

"For the past few years our team has taken Terps Giving more seriously," wrestling's Dominic Solis said. "We are all super grateful to be here at Maryland and this is just one of many ways to give back. Our team wants to win wrestling matches and get amazing degrees but that does not mean we shy away from community service opportunities. We want to do it all!"

Print Friendly Version