SASC is committed to being involved with the local community and fostering relationships and building camaraderie outside of the hardwood floors. During the 2011-12 season, SASC dedicated the month of April to giving back to our community. Using the momentum from the previous year, teams were again encouraged to participate in a community service project. Teams had an opportunity to partner with other SASC teams or organize their own event. Kicking off the month of April was the 10 year-old boys team. Together with their families, they volunteered at Operation Sack Lunch and prepared and served dinner to residents of a transitional house for homeless men. They made some amazing stir-fry and wontons!

The following weekend, over thirty parents, siblings, coaches and players from the 14 year-old boys and 15 year-old boys teams donated their time to Northwest Harvest. This SASC crew scooped and boxed over 12,000 pounds of frozen beans! Their hard work helped feed approximately 520 families of four.

The month of April ended on a high note. 45 SASC volunteers from the 10 year-old girls, 12 year-old boys, 13 year-old girls, and 13 year-old boys teams volunteered their Saturday afternoon to Food Lifeline. Together they bagged 2,010 lbs of raw dough mix and packaged more than 5,600 lbs of frozen corn on the cob! We repackaged 8,040 lbs, which provides 7,000 meals!

Although April was over, the community service train kept on chugging. In May, players from the 15-17 year-old girls team participated in the API Heritage Month Celebration. The event was held at the Seattle Center. SASC players and coaches passed out event flyers and provided security for the dressing rooms and artwork displays.

On June 18th, SASC once again participated in Walk for Rice. We entered a team and joined the Asian Counseling and Referral Service’s fight against hunger. As a team, we raised over $4,223 for the ACRS Food Bank. With a fourth place overall finish, we were able to purchase 7,000 lbs of rice. Most of us walked the Seward Park Loop, but SASC Alum Eliot Mar, ran the race and came in 3rd place!

At the end of July, the 11 year-old girls team volunteered at the Treehouse WEARhouse. The WEARhouse is a place where foster children and their families can shop for free. The 11 year-old girls team sorted, tagged and restocked merchandise.

A big THANKS to the SASC membership that supported our community service projects.