By: NYSPHSAA Staff

LATHAM, NY – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announces the Union Springs High School Girls Basketball program as the winner of the NYSPHSAA Community Service Challenge for Fall 2024. Union Springs was selected by the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) during their most recent meeting. This is the first time a Union Springs High School team has won this award in the 13 years of the program’s existence. NYSPHSAA utilizes the Team Up 4 Community platform to allow schools to submit their community service initiatives.
 
After learning of the severe damage and destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton this fall, the Union Springs girls basketball program felt compelled to help those affected. Less than a month after each hurricane struck, Union Springs hosted a “Stuff the Truck” event. The initiative was held at a local fire department where student-athletes ranging from second graders to high school seniors volunteered their time to fill a 58-foot trailer with necessary goods to send to Bristol, Tennessee.
 
“Our program focuses on more than basketball; it’s about building character, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others. The kids who participated in the ‘Stuff the Truck’ campaign won a championship in life that weekend,” said Andy Kalet, Union Springs Varsity Girls Basketball Coach.
 
The trailer was filled with necessities for storm survivors ranging from household items and personal hygiene products, to clothing and nonperishable and pet foods. In total, over 800 student volunteer hours were donated over three days. Along with a truck filled with physical donations, cash donations of nearly $16,000 were raised to purchase larger equipment for those needing additional assistance in their recovery efforts. More information on the “Stuff the Truck” event can be found here.
 
“The size of Union Springs Girls Basketball’s ‘Stuff the Truck’ event shows how impactful a community can be when they come together to help others,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director.  "Seeing the diverse range of student-athletes of all ages come together to support this cause highlights the strength and impact of the program far beyond the court."
 
Coach Kalet praised the philanthropic work of his program and the importance of working together beyond the sport. “Union Springs is an incredible community, and this achievement was only possible because of everyone’s support. Basketball can be so much more than a game.”
 
During the Fall Community Service Challenge, 201 service projects were submitted with over 10,000 student athletes participating and compiling over 48,000 hours of volunteerism. In total, $195,387 was raised for charitable causes.
 
NYSPHSAA is now accepting applications on the Team Up 4 Community platform for the Winter 2025 Community Service Challenge. Teams have until March 10, 2025 to submit their community service projects, and can learn more here.