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People become involved in community service for a range of reasons — for some, serving community is an altruistic act, for others it is a punishment.

For the Rider University women’s soccer team, a trip to the Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick was an opportunity to give back to the community while enjoying a great experience.

Ronald McDonald House began with a single home in Philadelphia in 1974 and has now spread world-wide. These homes, where parents of children in nearby hospitals can stay at night for reduced or no cost, are now in 30 countries and number close to 300 houses.

“Everybody is aware of the importance of family and RMHC does a great job of providing support for these families during difficult times, when their child is ill and needing treatment,” said Rider Head Coach Drayson Hounsome.

At the House in New Brunswick the Broncs split into groups. One group went to the kitchen and prepared a full meal, another group assisted with odd jobs around the house, while another group was lucky enough to meet one of the patients.

“A small group was able to provide important interaction with a young autistic boy which was very unexpected and a great experience for everyone to see,” Hounsome said.

“We got to play with a six year old autistic boy named Jacob and it was great to see how happy the boy was when we played with him,” said sophomore Jennifer Springer of Abingdon, Maryland. “His mom was so excited to see her son, who has been through so much, just having fun. I would love to go back there again, and am so glad that Coach took us.”

“As student-athletes they are somewhat in a privileged situation,” Hounsome said, “so it is a good opportunity for the players to give back some of their own time to the community.”

“I thought that it was an excellent experience for all of us,” said senior Leslie Amster of Somerville, NJ. “We really learned a lot about how much of a difference even one person can make and I would love to go back soon.”

“I expected that the players would feel a purpose to the visit, supporting RMHC and they did,” Hounsome said.

“I thought that everyone that worked there was very welcoming and happy to have us help out,” Springer said. “When they gave us the tour we saw that every room was a home like setting. It made you feel like you were at your own home.”

A study was done that correlates community service with academic success; students who maintain a weekly community service record, 85 percent of the time, are more likely to succeed and have a higher grade point average than those who do none at all.

But these Broncs didn’t go for the grades, although it was an educational experience, they went to give back. What they ended up doing was gaining a wonderful experience.

“I think the whole team would agree that it was a great experience,” Springer said. “It gives you a different perspective on things and we’re all glad we experienced this.”

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