The Wisconsin men’s basketball team had planned to volunteer at the Westside Food Bank in Los Angeles as part of their mission to develop holistic student-athletes. However, their volunteering excursion took on new significance due to the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the L.A. area. Despite the destruction caused by the fires, the people of Los Angeles have shown resilience, with thousands of volunteers stepping up to help at centers like the Westside Food Bank.
The Wisconsin team, in town for games against USC and UCLA, spent an off day packing 357 TEFAP boxes for community members in need. The experience had a profound impact on the players and coaches, who realized the importance of looking beyond basketball-related issues to help those in need. The acts of kindness by the Wisconsin team were praised by the Westside Food Bank President and CEO, who called them a model of service even when far from home.
The players, primarily from the Midwest and unfamiliar with the extent of the wildfires’ impact, left the Food Bank with a new perspective on the importance of helping others. For redshirt freshman guard Jack Janicki, the experience highlighted the significance of basic human decency and giving back to the community. The team’s unexpected volunteering opportunity turned into a valuable lesson in empathy and selflessness, showing the true character of the Wisconsin men’s basketball program.
Sophia Ross, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in journalism, covered the team’s volunteering efforts at the Westside Food Bank and highlighted the impact it had on both the players and the community. Upon graduation, Ross hopes to pursue a career in sports media and continue telling stories that inspire compassion and engagement.
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