Perseverance Amidst a Pandemic
10/20/2020 12:50:00 PM | ATHLETICS, MEN'S SOCCER, SOFTBALL
Blue Demons navigate around COVID-19 as Wintrust Blankets Chicago
CHICAGO – Life amidst a surging pandemic has changed our world in countless ways, forcing us into an environment commonly known as the new normal.
Even as the coronavirus threatens to corrupt enduring traditions that help define who we are, a little bit of resourcefulness and innovation allowed Blue Demon student-athletes to persevere with a cherished initiative.
Welcome to the 2020 version of Wintrust Blankets Chicago.
Instead of gathering in McGrath-Phillips Arena amidst a fun and festive atmosphere with every team creatively designing and decorating blankets while enveloped by a back-to-school buzz, each DePaul athletic program is navigating its way around COVID-19.
Men's soccer and softball were among the first to engage in this community service endeavor with the blankets being donated to preschool children at the St. Vincent de Paul Center day care program.
The soccer team set aside time to gather on Wish Field, socially distanced themselves and went to work for a great cause.
"We had to sit far apart, were required to do our blankets in small groups and teamed up with our roommates," said midfielder Cameron Beezley. "The biggest difference from previous years was not being with all the other DePaul athletes creating these blankets with everyone besides just our teammates.
"Nonetheless, it was a great time, and all that matters is that we were able to participate for another year in helping these children."
The softball team took a different approach with players working on the blankets individually or with roommates back in their dorm. Maranda Gutierrez's design collaborators included fellow seniors Natalie Halvorson and Pearl Barroso.
"In previous years, we would make these blankets with everyone from the Athletic Center at one time," Gutierrez said. "It was always a fun time to see new faces, catch up with friends and work together with teammates and sometimes with athletes from other teams to make blankets. Overall, I miss the family-oriented environment we created by making the blankets as a single unit."
The impact of this selfless act will resonate even stronger than usual for young children experiencing the pandemic anxiety with all the unknowns in their lives right now. It's tough enough that adults are battling depression and COVID-19 fatigue---can you imagine the effects on a four-year-old? This year more than ever, these blankets can convey a sense of security and comfort.
"The uncertainties that come from COVID-19 have definitely raised anxieties," Beezley said. "Being able to give these blankets to young kids is a reminder to them that they are never alone and have people that will always be there to support them and help in any way they can.
"This pandemic has altered every aspect of life for families. These young children aren't around their friends or classmates, and life is so far from normal. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to provide some sense of normalcy for these youngsters and their families."
Gutierrez added: "I believe it is very important to give these children and their families this gift because with all of the suffering occurring today, it is crucial for these families to know that their community cares for them and that we are here for them."
Community Service coordinator Roger Uy is working team-by-team to complete this annual project. Teams have the option to work as a group in a socially distanced setting (masked up of course) or individually in their dorm rooms.
For teams decorating blankets in their dorm, Uy set up a time to pick up their materials and then drop off their blankets to the Sullivan Athletic Center.
"I'd like to pass along a special thanks to Wintrust Bank for sponsoring this initiative and providing us an opportunity to give back to our community," Uy said. "It is so important to make the kids feel as close to normal as possible during these challenging times. I am hoping that once things start to open back up and are safe, we can visit St. Vincent DePaul Center as we have in years past and spend some quality time with the children."
Uy fondly recalls in previous years when he would gather a group of Blue Demons and deliver the blankets to the wide-eyed, excited youngsters.
"That's what it's all about!" he said. "It is a great feeling to brighten up their day, and this year especially during these extraordinary times."
How does it feel bringing a little joy and sunshine into the lives of these children at a time when they need it the most?
"I have a younger brother and sister who are both under five years old, and when I'm with them, I see them confused and anxious with everything going on in the world," Beezley said. "Being able to comfort them and being able to comfort these children in any way that I can brings me a sense of comfort and joy as well.
"It can be hard to comprehend or understand at that age, so being able to put on a brave face and bring some sense of joy is incredibly important to me and our team."
Wintrust Blankets Chicago really does embody the essence of DePaul.
"DePaul Athletics has always been about more than just sports," Beezley said. "Working alongside so many student-athletes with the same values is incredibly important to me and something that has always drawn me to DePaul.
"This project is just one of the many ways that DePaul gives back, and incorporating community and service into our sport is something extremely valuable. Being a part of a community that cares about so much more than just athletics has allowed me to get a sense of fulfillment that I don't think I could have gotten at any other university."
Gutierrez put it this way.
"My teammates and I are grateful to be able to help our community," she started out. "It is a privilege to use our time and effort to bring joy to others. This project is reflective of the selfless individuals that make DePaul Athletics so community-oriented.
"Our athletics department and the university as a whole do not simply preach the importance of community service and Vincentian values. They take action to ensure that community service is a priority and that it is done well. Wintrust Blankets Chicago portrays our perseverance. Even during a pandemic, we are constantly searching for innovative and healthy ways to help others."
All of the above brought a smile to Uy's face.
"It really makes me proud to be a part of this athletics department," Uy said. "Our student-athletes are always looking for ways to give back, and you definitely saw that this past spring and summer with their various service projects such as creating kids activity videos and writing letters to senior citizens.
"Even in the midst of a frightening pandemic, we double-down in perpetuating the Vincentian mission that defines what this university is all about."
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Even as the coronavirus threatens to corrupt enduring traditions that help define who we are, a little bit of resourcefulness and innovation allowed Blue Demon student-athletes to persevere with a cherished initiative.
Welcome to the 2020 version of Wintrust Blankets Chicago.
Instead of gathering in McGrath-Phillips Arena amidst a fun and festive atmosphere with every team creatively designing and decorating blankets while enveloped by a back-to-school buzz, each DePaul athletic program is navigating its way around COVID-19.
Men's soccer and softball were among the first to engage in this community service endeavor with the blankets being donated to preschool children at the St. Vincent de Paul Center day care program.
The soccer team set aside time to gather on Wish Field, socially distanced themselves and went to work for a great cause.
"We had to sit far apart, were required to do our blankets in small groups and teamed up with our roommates," said midfielder Cameron Beezley. "The biggest difference from previous years was not being with all the other DePaul athletes creating these blankets with everyone besides just our teammates.
"Nonetheless, it was a great time, and all that matters is that we were able to participate for another year in helping these children."
The softball team took a different approach with players working on the blankets individually or with roommates back in their dorm. Maranda Gutierrez's design collaborators included fellow seniors Natalie Halvorson and Pearl Barroso.
"In previous years, we would make these blankets with everyone from the Athletic Center at one time," Gutierrez said. "It was always a fun time to see new faces, catch up with friends and work together with teammates and sometimes with athletes from other teams to make blankets. Overall, I miss the family-oriented environment we created by making the blankets as a single unit."
The impact of this selfless act will resonate even stronger than usual for young children experiencing the pandemic anxiety with all the unknowns in their lives right now. It's tough enough that adults are battling depression and COVID-19 fatigue---can you imagine the effects on a four-year-old? This year more than ever, these blankets can convey a sense of security and comfort.
"The uncertainties that come from COVID-19 have definitely raised anxieties," Beezley said. "Being able to give these blankets to young kids is a reminder to them that they are never alone and have people that will always be there to support them and help in any way they can.
"This pandemic has altered every aspect of life for families. These young children aren't around their friends or classmates, and life is so far from normal. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to provide some sense of normalcy for these youngsters and their families."
Gutierrez added: "I believe it is very important to give these children and their families this gift because with all of the suffering occurring today, it is crucial for these families to know that their community cares for them and that we are here for them."
Community Service coordinator Roger Uy is working team-by-team to complete this annual project. Teams have the option to work as a group in a socially distanced setting (masked up of course) or individually in their dorm rooms.
For teams decorating blankets in their dorm, Uy set up a time to pick up their materials and then drop off their blankets to the Sullivan Athletic Center.
"I'd like to pass along a special thanks to Wintrust Bank for sponsoring this initiative and providing us an opportunity to give back to our community," Uy said. "It is so important to make the kids feel as close to normal as possible during these challenging times. I am hoping that once things start to open back up and are safe, we can visit St. Vincent DePaul Center as we have in years past and spend some quality time with the children."
Uy fondly recalls in previous years when he would gather a group of Blue Demons and deliver the blankets to the wide-eyed, excited youngsters.
"That's what it's all about!" he said. "It is a great feeling to brighten up their day, and this year especially during these extraordinary times."
How does it feel bringing a little joy and sunshine into the lives of these children at a time when they need it the most?
"I have a younger brother and sister who are both under five years old, and when I'm with them, I see them confused and anxious with everything going on in the world," Beezley said. "Being able to comfort them and being able to comfort these children in any way that I can brings me a sense of comfort and joy as well.
"It can be hard to comprehend or understand at that age, so being able to put on a brave face and bring some sense of joy is incredibly important to me and our team."
Wintrust Blankets Chicago really does embody the essence of DePaul.
"DePaul Athletics has always been about more than just sports," Beezley said. "Working alongside so many student-athletes with the same values is incredibly important to me and something that has always drawn me to DePaul.
"This project is just one of the many ways that DePaul gives back, and incorporating community and service into our sport is something extremely valuable. Being a part of a community that cares about so much more than just athletics has allowed me to get a sense of fulfillment that I don't think I could have gotten at any other university."
Gutierrez put it this way.
"My teammates and I are grateful to be able to help our community," she started out. "It is a privilege to use our time and effort to bring joy to others. This project is reflective of the selfless individuals that make DePaul Athletics so community-oriented.
"Our athletics department and the university as a whole do not simply preach the importance of community service and Vincentian values. They take action to ensure that community service is a priority and that it is done well. Wintrust Blankets Chicago portrays our perseverance. Even during a pandemic, we are constantly searching for innovative and healthy ways to help others."
All of the above brought a smile to Uy's face.
"It really makes me proud to be a part of this athletics department," Uy said. "Our student-athletes are always looking for ways to give back, and you definitely saw that this past spring and summer with their various service projects such as creating kids activity videos and writing letters to senior citizens.
"Even in the midst of a frightening pandemic, we double-down in perpetuating the Vincentian mission that defines what this university is all about."
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Players Mentioned
INF
/ SOFTBALL
M/F
/ MEN'S SOCCER
INF
/ SOFTBALL
P
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