Soccer Teams Give Back to the Community

Hanover soccer players are in the midst of a busy week of public service work. At last Wednesday's JV and Varsity games, the Marauders sponsored their fourth annual Food Drive for the Haven, and in conjunction with the Lebanon players and parents collected four car loads of foodstuffs for the the Haven's food pantry, which serves dozens of Upper Valley families in need of regular assistance to kep their families fed. Senior Sam Gest and Junior Hayden-Pressey Murray completed the deliveries the next day, minimizing the workload for the Haven staff.

On Sunday afternoon, more than 40 Hanover soccer players (both boys and girls) and field hockey players will be participating in the Lebanon CROP Walk. The Communities Responding to Poverty program raises money for hunger relief programs both locally and throughout the world, and is recognized as a charity that dedicates a very high percentage of the money raised to the actual recipients of the aid. Hanover athletes have been collecting tax-deductible contributions and pledges for the past several weeks, and will continue that process through tomorrow's walk and in some cases afterwards. For the past three years, the Hanover contingent by itself has averaged almost $4,00 in contributions. On Sunday, all of the participants will gather at Colburn Park in Lebanon (Registration begins at 12:30) and join in a 5 kilometer walk to symbolize their solidarity with people around the world, many of whom need to walk at least that far just to feed their families. The Lebanon CROP walk has a goal this year of $20,000.

Participants who have not yet signed up may so so on-site on Sunday, and bring a contribution with them. Those interested in contributing to support this effort may contact any Hanover varsity soccer player for information.

The Marauder soccer players will be collecting donations of the Upper Valley Humane Society at their Tuesday night home game against Kearsarge, and will be joining with the girls' team for another food drive next Saturday during Homecoming. Stay tuned for details!