I wanted to share this story about the Manchester Central Boys Ice Hockey team volunteering Jan. 16 for Food For Children.
Food for Children is a non-profit, non-denominational organization, working as an inner-city mission united in God’s love; providing food, clothing and prayer to those in our community who struggle to meet their everyday needs.
I learned about this ministry from my Fellowship of Christian Athlete brother Jason Allen who is also the Central Boys Cross Country and Winter Track Coach. So I stopped recently on the way to coaching one of our hockey games and met Peter Dalrymple the President of Food for Children. I asked him if I could bring down some of the 10 to 20 boys on the hockey team I coach to help out, he was extremely excited and said absolutely.
I, in turn, asked who among the boys would be willing to volunteer a few hours on a Saturday morning — without knowing what they are volunteering for. I call it “blind faith,” immediately 10 boys raised their hands.
So this Saturday, Jan. 16, some of the players came out and endured the rain, snow and cold miserable weather to give back to the community.
They unloaded trucks, packed sacks of potatoes and distributed food to more than 200 families. It was a powerful morning to see God working in these young men’s lives. They saw firsthand, how blessed they are to have food on their own tables and clothing of their choice, without having to wait in line to receive whatever is available. They did an unbelievable job, something that I will hold with me forever.
I have said it before as a coach, how blessed I am to have this platform to make a difference in these players’ lives. If I can make an impact teaching “life lessons” through the game of hockey, that is the best victory I will ever have.
God Bless.
Coach Brian C. Stone is a lifelong hockey player, a 2002 Queen City Hall of fame inductee, and was a stand-out player for Central High School where he currently serves as hockey coach.
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