The Fellowship of Christian Athletes [FCA] has decided to broaden its horizons. FCA plans on ministering not only to campus students but also to the elderly. On Dec. 6 FCA will be leading a trip to the San Joaquin Gardens, a retirement home for the elderly.

“Many of the residents at the Gardens have no family to visit them,” Ericlee Gilmore, FCA Instructor, said. “By spending lunch with them we hope to have fun together, while pushing students out of their comfort zones.”

This is not the first time FCA has participated in a lunch event. Two years ago FCA went to the Poverelo House on a similar mission of service.

“I remember it being a little awkward serving food to the homeless,” Carson Belmont, ’05, said. “Once I got over being surrounded by the impoverished, it ended up being a really rewarding experience and it made me grateful for what I have.

FCA leaders are hoping their upcoming trip will reap similar results for students and for the elderly.

“One of our primary goals for the trip to San Joaquin Gardens is to connect with the elderly,” Michelle Nachtigall, ’04, said. “By bridging the generational gap we hope to gain just as much from the retired community as we are willing to give.”

Even if such an opportunity to link with elders were not offered, FCA would still expect a moderate turnout due to the opportunity for community service.

“Let’s be honest, very few people would go visit the elderly out of the goodness of their hearts,” Jesse Madsen, ’05, said. “Thankfully people aren’t required to have a goodness of heart to do community service. With the impending due date for community service looming over their heads, even the most selfish of people may show up.”

Students interested in the Dec. 6 trip are encouraged to arrive at the San Joaquin Gardens, cross streets are at Barstow and Fresno, at approximately 9 A.M. and be prepared to leave at 12 noon.

For more information concerning this community service project see Gilmore or any of FCA’s student leaders.” “” “” “” “” “Insert text here