First-year Ashland University Director of Tennis Operations
Tim Dunford hasn't had the opportunity to coach any matches with the Eagles, as the COVID-19 pandemic has kept his men's and women's teams off the courts.
That hasn't stopped Dunford from doing what he routinely has in the community this time of year, however. He and his two Ashland tennis squads recently adopted a family through the Ashland Salvation Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.
"I reached out to the Ashland Salvation Army back in the middle of October about adopting a family for Christmas," Dunford said. "This is something that I have done at other schools that I've coached, but obviously, this year is different. With COVID-19 causing so many economic issues within the community, this would be a special time to show our community that we care.
"Everyone did participate, which was pretty awesome. The excitement level on both teams wasn't surprising. Both teams are pretty selfless, pretty giving and eager to help those around them. On a personal level, I've tried to do this every year. When I can get my teams involved, it becomes that much more of a blessing."
Said Major Annalise Francis, Administrator and Corps Officer for the Ashland Kroc Center, "Tim and the tennis teams' eagerness and enthusiasm touched my heart. They went above and beyond for the family and were excited about what they had to give. Every year we have workplaces, community groups, churches, and individuals adopt families who find themselves in need at the holidays."
Dunford said Francis was more than happy to help the Eagle tennis teams find the perfect family. He said he wanted to adopt a family which had one young boy and one young girl.
"She got back to me and we had our adopted family," said Dunford. "A couple players who needed to leave early bought gifts and gave them to their team captain. The rest of us met up at Walmart. I am beyond proud and blessed to have such an amazingly selfless group of young men and women.
"We at Ashland University, and particularly the tennis programs, think well outside the box, and allow everyone within Ashland to know we care very deeply about our community."
Francis said the pandemic has created challenges and has added to the needs the Kroc Center provides for.
"Honestly, the sheer volume of need that has only continually increased over the last eight months has been a challenge," she said. "We have seen a 180-percent increase in our services. Our wonderful staff and volunteers continue to serve with willing and cheerful hearts, but they are tired. We pray for the continued resources to assist everyone who comes to us in need, especially for Christmas. The Lord has been faithful, and the community has been so generous.
"The tennis teams' contribution energized us. They are young people who gave sacrificially to help others. As we received their contributions, we picture the children opening them with joy around their Christmas tree."
Ashland's Kroc Center continues to prepare to serve the Ashland community as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. Francis said the Kroc Center was preparing to serve more than 400 Thanksgiving meals there on Monday (Nov. 23) night.
"We have already received assistance applications from a greater number of people than before," she said. "When out of work, underemployed, or living paycheck to paycheck, it is so hard to afford extras at the holidays. Everyone wants to be able to give their children presents and something they would like, and we believe that no child should go without at Christmas."
Francis said community members can still adopt a family or sponsor a child through the Angel Tree program by calling the Kroc Center at 419-281-8001, and "Angel Tags" are available at the Ashland Walmart or at the Kroc Center.
"It is a fun and heart-warming way to assist a family in need," she said. "We provide individuals and families with all of the fixings for Christmas dinner and groceries for the week of Christmas, too."
For more information or to donate, go to ashlandkroc.org or Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook.
AU
TEN/DS
