Story submitted by Darrell Orand, assistant athletic director, AUM

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – With basketball season underway, the Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) Lady Senators have been working hard to make an impact on and off the court.

AUM has long been a model for volunteerism in the local community and is involved in a number of youth initiatives. Staying true to school tradition, the Lady Senators recently participated in “Make a Difference Day” and volunteered at the Children’s Center of Montgomery Molina Learning Center.

The Children’s Center is a school that provides services for children with severe disabilities and medical fragility. In addition to the teachers and paraprofessionals, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, adaptive physical education instructors and school nurses offer care and instruction for students ages 5-21.

The women’s basketball team and coaches spent the day assisting teachers and facilitated a number of fun activities for the children, including story hour, art and games.

“The Children’s Center is a very special place and it is a privilege for us to serve,” said Laketa Riddle, AUM assistant coach.

Visiting the Molina Center for the national “Make a Difference Day” has become an annual event for the Lady Senators. The program in Montgomery is led by Nancy Anderson, associate professor in the AUM English department.

Anderson spends time each week at the center and helps children improve their reading and writing skills. During “Make a Difference Day” the children come to the center and read books and then pick out two or three to take home with them to keep.

”There is magic in seeing children get excited about reading,” said Anderson. “For some children, there is excitement of taking ownership of their own books for the first time. This day encourages them to read and start their own personal libraries.”

Head coach Dan Davis knows what these activities mean not only to the community, but to the players as well.

“I feel it is very important we expose our players to situations where they are giving back and learning the value of serving others first,” Davis added. “I hope serving others is something they will make a priority the rest of their lives and pass it along to their children. It’s important that we give back.”

To learn more about AUM athletics click here.