Dec. 10, 2004
WACO, Texas - Baylor athletic trainers, volleyball, women's basketball, soccer, softball, track and cross-country student-athletes participated in H-E-B's Feast of Sharing at the Waco Convention Center Thursday, sharing their time and service with the Waco community to make the event a success.
Baylor athletes volunteered in the art-and-crafts area, helping kids with art projects, coloring, and playing games.
Sophia Young, a member of the Baylor Lady Bears Basketball team, helped with arts and crafts.
"Christmas is all about giving, and we want to give back to the Waco community," she said. Young also mentioned that the Lady Bears changed their regular practice time so they could participate in the event.
H-E-B sponsors Feast of Sharing for the Waco community every year. M&M Mars, KWTX, Dr. Pepper, Caritas, Allen Samuels Enterprises, the Waco Tribune-Herald, and other organizations and businesses also support the feast.
Martin Otto, Sr., Vice President and General Manager for the Central Texas Region, said, "The H-E-B Feast of Sharing is a way for us to share the true spirit of the holidays with those who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a warm turkey dinner with all of the trimmings in a traditional holiday setting."
This year's event featured live entertainment, face painting, cotton candy, and a children's activity area. The Eddie Garcia Mobile Kitchen unit, stretching 45-feet, was able to serve over 9,000 meals to needy families in the Waco area.
Kassie Mercer, H-E-B's representative and Feast of Sharing coordinator, was pleased with the student-athletes' help.
Mercer explained that Feast of Sharing is open to the public, but their main target is needy families and the homeless.
Softball player Erin Sheek enjoyed participating in Feast of Sharing and said, "It's fun to see the kids' reactions and help everyone enjoy the holidays."
Lyndsy Bedell, a cross country member, helped with the miniature golf game. "I enjoy helping and playing with kids during the Christmas season," she said.
The Waco Feast of Sharing is one of 25 dinners that H-E-B will host this year throughout the state of Texas, serving approximately 220,000 people in need.
