This past weekend, members of the 2020-21 Humboldt State women’s basketball team participated in a local community service event in Humboldt County.  The Lumberjacks partnered with the HC Black Music and Arts Association.

On Saturday, February 27, the players and staff participated in the HC Black Music and Arts Association’s (HCBMAA) Annual Food Drive.  During the food drive, teammates and coaches partnered up and walked around the neighborhood collecting canned food goods.  They then got together, organized and bagged numerous bags for families to pick up this past Sunday. “We walked door to door in a safe manner meeting people throughout the neighborhood,” said Humboldt State University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson.  “Seeing all the generosity and willingness from people to help out with the food drive definitely made all of us very happy.  I love that even through the challenges of the pandemic, we found a way to be safe and give to others.”

 The Lumberjacks will also be participating in a weekly mentoring program hosted by HCBMAA in the near future. 

 Quotes from players and coaching staff

"I love helping out the community.  Small acts with multiple people can extremely help many others and I'm glad we were able to participate." - Dejanae Franklin

 "It was very rewarding to give back to the community and it made me happy to see everyone coming together in the way we did to make a difference.  I feel like there isn't enough of this community help going on right now and I feel extremely grateful to have been able to be a part of it." - Samantha Caires

 "I am excited that we have partnered with the HC Black Music & Arts Association.  They are doing wonderful things in the community for so many folks and our women's basketball program is thankful that we have the opportunity to participate in any way possible.  This past weekend we had a great time helping out with the food drive and our players will also be joining in on a mentorship program with the youth.  It is important for us to give back to the community and HCBMAA is providing us a way to engage and serve which we are very grateful for." - Michelle Bento-Jackson