Northwestern University Athletics
Football Student-Athletes Give Back
9/22/2020 12:15:00 PM | 'Cats Give Back
The 'Cats Give Back program seeks to enhance the overall educational experience of student-athletes by connecting Wildcats to service-oriented and philanthropic activities in the Evanston and Chicagoland communities. The program is supported by Northwestern Medicine and their commitment to creating healthier communities.
On Saturday, September 19, student-athletes on the Northwestern football team volunteered at Family Focus, an Evanston-based organization that provides parents and their children with critical resources and learning opportunity to encourage healthy development.
Sophomore Malik Washington was one of the several student-athletes who devoted his Saturday morning at Family Focus. "Giving back is really important because you never know someone's struggles or what it's like to be in another person's shoes," said Washington. "A quote I've lived by is from Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?' I believe helping others creates your own happiness, so I make it a priority in my life and encourage others to do the same."
While at Family Focus, student-athletes spent time sorting and organizing food items while also preparing packages for community members in need.
"I believe that what we do is not only good for those in need, but it also positions everyone to see why helping others in necessary," said Liyoandra Cooper, coordinator of the Giving Store Room at Family Focus. "We are all in some aspects one misstep from not having what we need. Having the ability to provide these resources and understand the importance of them, whether that is through volunteering or donating, or whether you are on the other side receiving, is necessary so that we can produce a fruitful outcome for those who need it."
As part of this year's 'Cats Give Back programming, one community outreach activity will be featured every month through the 12 Months of Giving Initiative.
On Saturday, September 19, student-athletes on the Northwestern football team volunteered at Family Focus, an Evanston-based organization that provides parents and their children with critical resources and learning opportunity to encourage healthy development.
Sophomore Malik Washington was one of the several student-athletes who devoted his Saturday morning at Family Focus. "Giving back is really important because you never know someone's struggles or what it's like to be in another person's shoes," said Washington. "A quote I've lived by is from Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?' I believe helping others creates your own happiness, so I make it a priority in my life and encourage others to do the same."
While at Family Focus, student-athletes spent time sorting and organizing food items while also preparing packages for community members in need.
"I believe that what we do is not only good for those in need, but it also positions everyone to see why helping others in necessary," said Liyoandra Cooper, coordinator of the Giving Store Room at Family Focus. "We are all in some aspects one misstep from not having what we need. Having the ability to provide these resources and understand the importance of them, whether that is through volunteering or donating, or whether you are on the other side receiving, is necessary so that we can produce a fruitful outcome for those who need it."
As part of this year's 'Cats Give Back programming, one community outreach activity will be featured every month through the 12 Months of Giving Initiative.
'Cats Give Back - Family Focus of Evanston Food Drive (12/6/19)
Friday, December 06
Swimming & Diving - Breast Stroke for Breast Cancer
Wednesday, December 04
Northwestern Community Service Day 2017
Tuesday, June 13
'Cats Give Back - Softball Volunteers with Toys for Tots
Wednesday, November 30
