MADISON, N.J. (Jan. 19, 2017) - Drew University's Emma Thomas combined her love for lacrosse with a desire to support the United States military stationed abroad.
 
The first-year field hockey player collected lacrosse gear for Shootout to Soldiers to ship to troops in need of recreation overseas. Thomas, who's considering a career in the development of prosthetic technology for veterans, discussed her donation drive with Drew.edu. 
 
Why lacrosse gear?
Lacrosse is known as the "Medicine Game," giving soldiers time to relax and have fun. Also, when our soldiers are on base, they have limited things to do.
 
What all did you collect and where was it sent?
With the help of high schools around my hometown of Wading River, N.Y. and the Drew lacrosse teams, I collected 21 complete sticks, 11 shafts, 17 heads, four pairs of cleats, 20 pairs of gloves, 15 helmets, 16 elbow pads and 15 chest/shoulder pads. The gear was sent to several bases in the Middle East.
 
Anyone in your family serve in the military?
My grandfather was in the Marines during the Korean Conflict, my father was in the Air Force and my brother-in-law is currently in the Air Force serving as a military policeman at March Air Force Base in California. My sister is currently training to go into the Army Nurse Corps.
 
What resources did you use in your collection?
I let everyone who was interested know through the community group.  I made a flyer and used Facebook and Twitter to get the message out there.
 
What will you remember most about this experience?
Seeing how people can come together. It was truly amazing for my community not only to help me succeed in collecting the gear, but for them to also want to help our soldiers in the long run by providing them with an awesome hobby.