Senior middle blocker Desiree Elliott teamed up with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to create the “Geaux Kids” initiative and continue the LSU volleyball team’s recent tradition of season-long senior class philanthropy projects.
The Tigers will collect items such as children’s clothes, shoes and toys at every home match this season to contribute to St. Vincent de Paul, an organization developed to help children and families in need.
As LSU’s lone senior, Elliott said she knew she wanted to contribute to women and children, so she gravitated toward the charity after discovering it.
Her mother also inspired her when making the decision, Elliott said.
“She grew up in this area, and she knows what it is like to have very little,” Elliott said. “She knows what it is like to have people helping her through the tough times in her life. … My parents worked really hard to have what they have now. I am extremely blessed.”
Sophomore outside hitter Katie Lindelow said children are LSU’s biggest fans, and the Tigers relish the opportunity to give back and show them how much they are appreciated.
LSU coach Fran Flory said St. Vincent de Paul is the perfect choice for Elliott’s charity.
“Desiree and our whole team have a special place in their hearts for underprivileged kids and families enduring hardships,” Flory said. “… I think [St. Vincent de Paul] is a great organization. They are out in front, and they provide some great opportunities for families with food and shelter. When you give to it, it truly goes back to the people in need.”
The senior class philanthropy project began with the 2011 class, which collected almost 3,000 books to replinish the library at Dufrocq Elementary School in Baton Rouge as part of its “Geaux Books” campaign.
The 2012 class continued the project with “PAWS in the PMAC,” with fans donating almost 1,250 items to the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.
Flory said these community service projects are a great opportunity to show underclassmen what it means to be an LSU athlete.
“We’ve already started talking about ours, and it is two years away,” Lindelow said. “We all look forward to it, and we want to make it meaningful to everyone on the team.”
Flory said she hopes this tradition lives on through future senior classes beyond Elliott.
“It is vital [for the culture of LSU volleyball],” Flory said. “… It makes our young people start thinking about what they will do when they are seniors and what impact they can make on the community.”
“It is vital [for the culture of LSU volleyball] … it makes our young people start thinking about what they will do when they are seniors and what impact they can make on the community.”