UCLA Bruins football & women’s soccer players unite to distribute meals

The UCLA Bruins are no strangers to helping out in their community. Whether it’s any normal year or especially in the year 2020 that has been nothing like a normal year, the Bruins have long since been leaders in community service.

This past week, members of the UCLA football team and women’s soccer team joined up and helped to distribute meals at a drive-through event that was hosted by the Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center.

“This is really important, especially with everything that has happened, with people losing their jobs, kids not being able to go to school and get their normal meals,” said women’s soccer junior Idalia Serrano. “Things like this have to happen more often in order to help people who need it.”

In the year 2020, the year of the coronavirus pandemic, football and soccer players placed food bags in cars while wearing masks and face coverings. The number of meals handed out reached 850 and lasted for more than two hours.

The football team was led by assistant head coach Brian Norwood.

“We have a lot of student-athletes that are looking for opportunities to serve,” said Norwood. “Today has been great because we have not only the football team, but the women’s soccer team has joined together (with us). It’s really been an athletic department stand today and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Chip Kelly also made an appearance as did Justin Frye and DeShaun Foster from the coaching staff while players Elisha Guidry and Kyle Phillips were among some of the student-athletes on hand.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard Guidry’s name in a public service role as he was one of the athletes on the football team that joined up to hand out backpacks earlier in August.

“It’s just an amazing feeling to know that I’m surrounded by so many guys with good hearts who aren’t selfish,” said Philips of his teammates. “They want to give back and help other people. Not only is it my team, but it’s our entire school. We know we’re so blessed to be at UCLA with everything we’re provided. Everyone wants to give back and help the community.”

It was a proud day to be a Bruin! Well done, everyone.