This past weekend, the Union Springs Girls Basketball Program partnered with Palooza Basketball and community members from across the area to bring aid to families affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Ranging from third-grade players to high school seniors, the basketball program held the "Help Us, Help Others - Stuff the Truck Campaign," a hurricane relief drive with an ambitious goal: to fill a 53-foot tractor-trailer with essential items for communities devastated by recent storms.
The idea for the campaign originated during a conversation between Head Varsity Coach Andy Kalet and Barry Schwarting, Vice President of the Union Springs Board of Education and father of one of the program’s sophomore players. “Barry and I were discussing the widespread damage and how so many families were left in need,” explained Coach Kalet. “We brainstormed ways we could help and came up with the idea of filling an entire tractor trailer with supplies to support affected areas.”
With an initial target of 26 pallets, the community effort quickly exceeded expectations, doubling the goal to fill between 44 and 46 full pallets of much-needed supplies in a 53-foot semi-trailer donated by Averdi. Over 170 people contributed, with donations pouring in from families, friends, players, coaches, and community members alike. The overwhelming support demonstrated the Union Springs community’s deep commitment to service and unity in times of need. “The outpouring of donations—items, money, and volunteer support—has been nothing short of incredible,” said Coach Kalet. “Doing the right thing and being a good person is contagious.”
The truck, which will begin its journey to the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN, on Wednesday at 1 AM, is set to deliver the supplies to a distribution center, where items will then be dispatched to hurricane victims across North Carolina and Tennessee. Gulliver Farms, a local family farm, generously donated the road tractor and fuel for the long trip south.
Coach Kalet is proud of his players, who he believes have not only achieved a significant accomplishment on behalf of their community but have also shown invaluable growth as individuals. “Our program focuses on more than basketball; it’s about building character, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others. The kids who participated in the Stuff the Truck campaign won a championship in life this weekend,” Coach Kalet said. “Union Springs is an incredible community, and this achievement was only possible because of everyone’s support. Basketball can be so much more than a game.”
The Union Springs Central School District thanks every community member, parent, player, and volunteer who contributed to the campaign’s success, proving once again that Union Springs is a community that cares.
