by Christopher Annino
Several years ago, tragedy struck one of Fitch High School’s beloved girls basketball coach, Charles Hillman, when he was struck with cancer and later passed away. At that time senior star player Lauren Hunter witnessed it first hand. During that time, Lauren remembered the Shafman Family, who had very little themselves, generously raising money to help the coach and his family. Presently, Lauren has returned to Fitch to pass down knowledge as one of the assistant coaches for the girl’s basketball team. During the holidays Lauren got word that the Shafman Family was suffering financially. Lauren, led by good nature, quickly devised a plan that involved the girls from the Fitch Falcon Girls Basketball team to help the Shafman Family. Assistant Coach DJ Berger said, “Lauren did almost all of the work in organizing this, and the girls on the team really look up to her for what she showed them through the process.”
The Lady Falcons worked as a team on and off the court and managed to donate books and toys for the three children, pay for the family’s electric bill, donate clothes, and to top off the Shafman’s holiday, they gave them a tree so they could celebrate a proper Christmas.
“I was very proud of all the girls for sacrificing some of their Christmas money for others. They really worked as a team and bonded as individuals. The Shafmans are always helping people and so we decided to pay it forward and help them,” said Lauren.
Point Guards Alivia Roal, Aunisha Dillon, and Nene Tenety agreed in saying, “Lauren really showed us how to take time to worry about people who don’t have much, and help them. We all love the town and the folks that live here and we would do anything to help them.”
God Bless Us All !!! Just think what a great feeling it could be if we all PAY IT FORWARD….. Keep up the good work . God Bless Your Team… SMILE Have a great day !!