Durham Reporter

Duke University's student-athletes are still reaching out to the Durham, North Carolina, community even as their volunteer work has changed in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletes from Blue Devils teams have pivoted to continue their outreach by switching to supporting children, the elderly and the low income virtually, Tony Sales, assistant director of athletics who oversees volunteer programs, told the Durham Reporter.

"This semester is totally different from any other semester," Sales said. "But one thing we are really focused on is finding those opportunities where the students can help out while still being careful."

The student-athletes from all sports normally volunteer a total of 2,500 hours of their time each year. Sales said they are now  "finding opportunities' that are virtual so they stay involved."

Sales cited several groups, including those that serve meals to people in need. They are currently putting them together and delivering or getting the food ready for pick up.

Others are keeping in touch with kids and the elderly via Zoom, while some they support are able to watch them play from a distance.

Student-athletes also call elderly citizens to make sure they have their medications, then stay on the line just to chat about how life is going, Sales said.

The Duke student-athletes, who come from all over the world, have made the Durham community their own, Sales said.

"They are working with kids, working with seniors, working in poor communities, working with those who are underrepresented," he said. "It is a gamut and lasting partnerships have formed, sometimes for years."

Among the volunteer programs that teams normally participate in are "Meet the Blue Devils," where players in 12 disciplines work with 2nd and 3rd graders across the county to encourage and get them excited about reading. There are prizes, including attendance at the annual men's basketball team banquet.

"They have been doing it for over 20 years," Sales said. "It began with the men's basketball team, but now 12 (teams) are participating." 

Student-athletes also work with Ronald McDonald House, where youngsters stay while being treated for various illnesses at Duke University Medical Center.

Players cook meals and hang out with the children at the house, which is on campus, Sales said.

There is also the partnership with Oxford Housing Authority, where children in low-income, minority households can attend games and practice. They are given a tour and shown what college life and collegiate sports are like.

Often these are team initiatives, but individuals with a particular passion for helping do their own thing, Sales said, citing the example of a young woman who every Sunday went to the local nursing home and to read and played games.

"She did not tell anyone and when we found out she told (us) how her grandmother was in a nursing home and she did not (want) anyone to be lonely," he recalled.

Unfortunately in the time of the coronavirus, those types of visits are not happening.

"In the spring, there should be a big switch back, particularly if vaccines are rolled out," Sales said. "They are ready to get back in the groove; but even with the coronavirus, they are still very involved in the community and reaching out."