Camden, N.J. - (1/8/2016) – Inscribed in Chestnut Hill College's Hall of Philanthropy is a famous sentiment from Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." This passage reminds us of the rewarding nature of charity and goes hand in hand with the College's Mission. Dedicated to the serving their "Dear Neighbor", Head Coach Jesse Balcer and the men's basketball team recently took some time to spread holiday cheer and reflect in preparation for a New Year as they joined some of Camden, New Jersey's less fortunate for some Christmas decorating and some poignant conversation.
 
On Friday, December 18, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Chestnut Hill College men's basketball team divided in to three groups. While the first two decorated the church for the upcoming Christmas season a third visited with the surrounding community, handing out brochures and clothes to the homeless. "A few of us had the honor to speak with a few homeless people and really got clear picture of what life is like for them." Chestnut Hill College men's basketball senior captain Dexter Harris (Swedesboro, N.J.) was lucky enough to be one of them. "This experience really opened my eyes. One gentleman's story, about how drugs changed his life and how he got clean really connected with us, and showed us what is most important in life; faith and family. He made a few bad decisions that left him vulnerable, like he had lost everything, but with the support of his faith and family he turned his life around."
 
While sharing the holiday spirit with his "Dear Neighbor", Harris learned that strong faith and social support, whether it be from friends, family, or someone who is going through similar situation, can be instrumental one's life. It was inspiring to him to find that the homeless of Camden were "some of the nicest people" he had met, "It makes me question myself when things don't go my way, or if I'm having a bad day. When I wear my emotions on my sleeves. I should always smile and appreciate what I have."
 
After their soul fulfilling morning, the Griffins spent recess with the students at Holy Name Elementary, returning to a Camden community where they built bookcases and installed carpeting back in 2010 (Griffins Give Gift of Service at Local School, GriffinsAthletics.com, 1/7/2010). Following some outdoor hoops with the students at Holy Name, Chestnut Hill College Head Men's Basketball Coach Jesse Balcer took some time to reflect on the relationship his program has established with the underprivileged school, "We built bookshelves for Holy Name as a team a number of years ago.  It was very rewarding to return to the school and see that our work has helped the school continue to grow.  Two of my current assistant coaches, Brandon Williams and Julian McFadden were members of the team when we were last there.  I hope to continue this relationship so our program can continue to help Holy Name grow."
 
To learn more about Coach Balcer and the Chestnut Hill College men's basketball program please follow us on our social media platforms and, as always, at GriffinsAthletics.com.