Oct. 22, 2008
Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham University women's soccer team will be accepting donations of supplies for U.S. Marines stationed in Iraq at two games this weekend at Jack Coffey Field. The Rams host a pair of Atlantic 10 matches this Homecoming Weekend, taking on Rhode Island on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. and Massachusetts on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
"My assistant, Casey Sommers, came up with the idea to collect supplies for the Marines," said head coach Ness Selmani. "When she told me what the Marines needed, I could not believe it, and wondered why we didn't think to do it earlier. Our team is proud to be a part of this cause, and we are extremely proud of our alumni who have responded with great enthusiasm."
The team will have a collection site set up at the main entrance to Jack Coffey Field and will be accepting donations of supplies as requested by the troops. These supplies include:
- Tuna fish
- Soup (Chunky)
- Canned fruit
- Dried fruit
- Beef Jerky
- Natural peanut butter and jelly
- Hand sanitizer
- Ground coffee (Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, etc.)
- Nuts (cashews, almonds, trail mix, etc.)
- Nature Valley Granola Bars
- Coffeemate
- Splenda
The Marines also have contact with a fair number of Iraqi children and have requested treats to give to the children, including lollipops and other types of candy that will not melt. "It is very easy to forget what is going on outside of the bubble that so many Americans live in," said Selmani. "No matter the reason we are currently stationed in Iraq, or whether you support that reason or not, we are there and the troops need supplies."
"Letting even one person overseas know that we are thinking of them, is reason enough for us to try and get them things they want and need," continued Selmani. "These Marines consist of our family members, friends and loved ones. We cannot wait for the day that they come home, until then we will try to make it the best it can be, by providing items they cannot get for themselves."
Fordham enters the weekend with an 8-4-2 overall record, 5-1-1 in the Atlantic 10, good for second place in the conference.
