HAVERFORD, Pa. - As with many annual events during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hoops from the Heart Martin Luther King Jr. Day clinic series was reimagined in 2021. Instead of the traditional youth basketball clinics on the campus of Haverford College along with Widener, Cabrini, and Neumann universities, a contactless food and supply drive was held at the Haverford Community Recreation and Environmental Center (CREC) on Monday afternoon.
An overwhelming turnout from the community resulted in over 500 carloads of food and household supplies that will be donated to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC), as well as area food banks in Ardmore and Havertown.
"The MLK drive was a tremendous success. We were overwhelmed with the spirit of volunteerism and generosity of Delaware County residents. Special thanks to Coach Bobbi Morgan and the other coaches, players, and volunteers for keeping the spirit of Hoops from the Heart alive during these unprecedented times," said Ed Coleman, the CEO of the CAADC.
The donations will have a direct impact on the neediest families in our community during times of great economic turmoil in the region, state of Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. The CAADC's pantries throughout the county will receive immediate assistance from Monday's efforts.
"The Annual Hoops from the Heart Drive has a huge positive impact on CAADC's ability to serve Delaware County. Our shelter programs are able to stock their shelves for residents, and our main office is able to stock its pantry to serve individuals and games in a variety of our programs," said Gina Ruggieri, the Shelter Director at the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County. "We also serve anyone who may call or stop by in need. We serve thousands of Delaware County residents each year and the amount of items donated will spread far and wide. We appreciate your generosity."
Founded in 2001, the Hoops from Heart MLK Day clinics have raised more than $100,000 for the CAADC. The first clinic took place at Haverford High School and has since expanded to multiple sites at Haverford College, Widener, Cabrini and Neumann universities. Each year the men's and women's basketball teams from each college host the MLK Day clinics to support the CAADC and teach area youth about basketball and giving back to their communities.