Pasan Nanayakkara
As a winter storm threatened to drop several inches of snow on western Pennsylvania, a high school football team determined that canceling practice was in everyone’s best interests. Instead of exercising weights in the weight room, Brian DeLallo, the football coach of Bethel Park High School, directed his players to “find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway.”
DeLallo’s decision was based on a tradition started by the former football coach, who educated his players about committing acts of kindness. The team, which consisted of junior and senior students, spent the day shoveling driveways in their neighborhood. They were amazed that some neighbors denied their offer since they refused to accept any type of payment.
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By the end of the day, the group had cleaned hundreds of driveways in their community. Danny Varhola, an 83-year-old resident who had his driveway cleaned by the team, was delighted to have the young men of Bethel Park High School help him. He remarked, “I’ve been here 50 years, and these people are fantastic.”
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This act of kindness not only helped the elderly and disabled neighbors in the community but also helped the players become a better team. According to Moul, a team captain, “I’m really happy about it, and I believe we all are. That not only helps them, but it also helps us become a better team.”
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This touching tale serves as a testament to the power of little acts of kindness and their profound impact on individuals’ lives. We should all strive to give back to our communities and help those in need, especially during difficult times.
