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[Photos provided]

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Saturday, Nov. 10 more than 60 Skidmore athletes raked leaves for senior citizens throughout Saratoga Springs. The volunteers split into five different groups, conquering more than a dozen yards. 

In how the idea came to be, volleyball player Bailey Hutchins, a junior at Skidmore College, decided to combine her honors forum position and SAAC (student-athlete advisory committee) position to create a citizenship project, which is required for her to complete her minor.

A citizenship project is required of all honors students and is described as, “students should use their talents to contribute to campus and/or community life. A Citizenship Project will give [the student] the opportunity to develop a creative endeavor outside of the classroom or as an extension of a classroom experience.”

“I began thinking of ideas this summer when I was interning at the senior center on what I could do within the community that could be practical and meaningful. With the help of Lois, the executive director of Saratoga Senior Center, we determined an unmet need of the senior population was raking leaves in the fall,” Hutchins explained.

A total of 40 rakes were donated by Allerdice Hardware, Skidmore Facilities, and Skidmore Community Service.

“It was a chance to help seniors, even on a small scale, to live independently and age in place. We received a lot of positive feedback and gratitude. Even enjoying snacks seniors provided,” said Hutchins.