Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh cooks up feast at local homeless shelter
1/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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“The guys were really excited that I played basketball,” Crites said. “I promised I would bring the team back the next time I came.”
The Mountain Hawks made good on that promise on New Year’s Day when the entire team cooked dinner at the homeless shelter for men in
With an entire basketball team and four coaches in attendance, things got a little hectic in the kitchen.
“There were a lot of people in there,” Crites said. “But that’s the fun in it. My mom’s a good cook and I have four siblings so I learned from her how to boss everyone around.”
The Victory House is located on
Crites said she and Lehigh head coach Sue Troyan had discussed ways for the team to give back to the community more this season. One week earlier, the players made a trip to St. Luke’s Hospital to visit the pediatrics ward and give out signed posters and basketballs.
When Crites returned with the team for this visit to the Victory House, they also came with posters, bringing smiles to many of the men in attendance.
“One of the guys had us sign it and already put it up on his wall,” Crites said. “We’re trying to work out a date to bring them all to a game this season.”
While some of the players spent time in the kitchen, others spent time in the living room watching the Rose Bowl on television with the men. Then they all sat down for a fiesta of tacos prepared by the Mountain Hawks.
After all the food was finished, Crites said she heard nothing but thanks and appreciation from the men. But Crites said the experience was just as valuable for her and her teammates.
“It’s a real eye-opening experience,” she said. “I live three blocks away from these people who don’t have a place to stay or food to eat, and we’re getting a free education to play basketball. You realize how lucky you are, and it’s really rewarding to give something back.”
