SAN FRANCISCO – In the spirit of the season, Academy of Art University Volleyball recently gave back to the local community, volunteering with Larkin Street Youth Services. The Urban Knights facilitated the youth organization's relocation to a nearby building.
 
"It was a great opportunity for us to volunteer with the Larkin Street Youth Services Center," said head coach Ed Jackson. "They provide assistance to homeless youth who have no one to turn to. We met some great people who were friendly and welcoming."
 
Doubling the size of the crew upon arrival, the ART U Volleyball squad immediately began finding the appropriate place to transport a variety of clothes, blankets, and other donated items. Overall the move was accelerated with the Urban Knights' help and, by finishing the work early, they had a chance to organize other rooms in the building. Ultimately the work gave the staff easy access throughout its new location.

"It was a very eye-opening experience working beside kids our age who do not have a place to go home to at night like we do," said junior setter Rachael Smith. "I loved doing it and being able to help out the community and show people we really truly care."

Larkin Street provides youth between the ages of 12 and 24 with the help they need to rebuild their lives. Each year, more than 4,000 youth walk through our doors seeking help. Those individuals are given a place where they can feel safe; rebuild their sense of self-respect, trust, and hope; learn school, life and job skills; and find the confidence to build a future.

"Spending time working with disadvantaged youth with no family support helps us remember that being a student-athlete and a member of our university is a privilege," said Jackson. "We should be grateful and appreciative of the support we have from our families, teammates, coaches, and administration."

The volleyball team along with the rest of the ART U Athletics family look forward to returning to Larkin Street Youth Services on Friday, Dec. 5 for the department's 4th Annual Clothing Drive.