UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Several members of the Penn State football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball teams participated in the annual PNC Bank-United Way Day of Caring on Thursday, lending a hand landscaping and renovating the historical Centre Furnace Mansion.
Each year, Day of Caring volunteers work on improving their local community by aiding nonprofit organizations, community recreational facilities, historical sites and other significant areas. One of the largest annual volunteer events in Centre County, Day of Caring serves as an opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of Centre County residents. Last year, more than 140 participants, including the Lady Lions and members of the baseball team, aided the Centre Furnace Mansion through extensive gardening and landscaping.
“I like that we get to help and give back,” said senior Marisa Wolfe of the Lady Lions. “I like to give back to the community because a lot of the places we go, they come to our games and support us. So it’s a way of thanking them.”
“It’s a great opportunity to give back,” said baseball’s Neal Herring. “We’re working for a common cause that’s really helping out the community. We love doing it, and we enjoy doing it. … It’s definitely for a great cause.”
The football team will take on Northwestern at noon Saturday (Oct. 6) for Homecoming, while the baseball team will continue its fall schedule with scrimmages on at 5:30 p.m. today and 1 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 7). The men’s basketball team and the Lady Lions will each kick off the 2012-13 season Nov. 3 with exhibition games against Philadelphia University and California, respectively, beginning at 2 p.m.