ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – Knights Without Borders Orlando is a week-long event in which UCF's student-athletes, coaches and staff are volunteering at various charities and organization across central Florida.
From July 9-14, representatives from UCF Athletics will spend time at the Homeless Coalition, Boys & Girls Club, Hashtag Lunchbag and Habitat for Humanity.
The following is a blog documenting their experiences throughout the week.
Friday, July 13 - Habitat For Humanity
Gabby Durant, Track and Field
"I have participated in at least one KWOB Orlando every year since it began. This week was amazing. I participated in Habitat for Humanity and #HashtagLunchbagOrlando.
I like doing Habitat for Humanity mostly because I get to use power tools. I like that I'm learning useful skills while also making a difference for someone.
This year was my first time doing #HashtagLunchbagOrlando. It was honestly a humbling experience. I didn't know how much a lunch bag and water could mean to someone. It warmed my heart to see how a small gesture can be so impactful."
Wednesday, July 11 - #HashtagLunchbagOrlando
Korneila Wright, Women's Basketball
"Today wasn't any normal community service day; it meant a lot for my teammate Nyala Shuler and I. Being West Orlando natives really made us very happy today. Upon arriving downtown where my high school is located, I was already anticipating the #HashtagLunchbag event. I was ecstatic, and so were my teammates and other student-athletes because they saw Nyala and my's passion behind this event.
It meant the world to me to give back to the community I once was a part of. I think sometimes our student-athletes are fortunate and blessed to have great lives on the east side at UCF that we get caught up and don't realize there is a need for us in our community in West Orlando. I really hope our student-athletes enjoyed themselves as much as I did, and I hope they realize the importance of us going out today and really being an impact to such a forgotten about community."
Tuesday, July 10 - Boys & Girls Club
Sydney Hays, Rowing
"Going to the Boys and Girls Club today in Eatonville was such a good experience. I think the kids we were with today really enjoyed spending time with us. As the summer goes on and they come to the same spot everyday throughout the week, I'm sure seeing and interacting with different people is something fun and different to do. You could tell that a few of the kids made special connections with some of our fellow student-athletes.
I was inside with a group of kids playing games like Pictionary and Hang Man. There was one girl going into 10th grade that really stood out to me while we chatted. She seemed so intelligent and curious while she was telling me about her plans for college. I remember being in high school looking up to students in college. It was a humbling experience getting to share my journey with her while she is about to embark on her own."
Monday, July 9 – Homeless Coalition
Emily Marron, Women's Golf
"I was really excited and appreciative of the opportunity to get out and serve the Orlando community as part of the KWOB program. We cleaned the Homeless Coalition Center, wiping down table and chairs, mopped floors, and power washed.
As Orlando's Hometown Team, we truly value getting out and helping our local people in any way we can. It was so inspiring to see our entire staff – from student-athletes to administrators and coaches – come together to lend a hand for our city."
