Event Benefits Rockland Holiday Magic, Rockland Food Pantry
The white and red teams play a match during a charity volleyball event last Thursday, Oct. 14 at Rockland High School during the Esten Elementary School fundraiser. Members of the UMass Boston women’s volleyball team (in blue shirts) were on hand to assist the teams. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) 
Members of the white team. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) Members of the green team. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) 
Members of the red team. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) Members of the blue team. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) Students from Esten Elementary School receive some serving tips from a member of the UMass Boston women’s volleyball team. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) A member of the red team returns a serve during a match. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) The white team celebrates earning a point with members of the UMass Boston women’s volleyball team. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) A member of the red team serves the ball during a match. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) 
The green team celebrates earning a point with a member of the UMass Boston women’s volleyball team. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) A member of the white team hits the ball during a match. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools)
ROCKLAND — Superintendent Alan Cron and Principal Marilyn Smith are pleased to announce that the R. Stewart Esten Elementary School held a successful charity event last week benefiting two local causes.
The school held its annual charity volleyball game on Thursday, Oct. 14 at Rockland High School. Proceeds from the game benefited the Rockland Holiday Magic program and the Rockland Food Pantry.
The game traditionally sees Esten third and fourth grade students play in volleyball matches along with teachers and administrators from the school. A special addition this year was that the students were joined by members of the UMass Boston women’s volleyball team, who helped coach the teams and spent time with students during and between matches.
Esten School fourth grade teacher Kelly Hologitas is a coach on the UMass Boston team, and she had the idea to bring the team to the event to show support.
“The players jumped at the chance to come and spend time with the students and give back to the community for this special fundraiser,” Hologitas said. “When I told them about the event every single member of the team said they were more than happy to take part. For the kids it was a thrill to play volleyball alongside real college-level athletes, but honestly I think the athletes had just as much fun as the kids.”
Four teams — white, green, red and blue — took turns playing matches in front of a packed gymnasium as part of the event, which also featured raffle prizes, music and more. A total of 18 UMass Boston players were on hand, and when they weren’t officiating the matches and coaching the teams they were teaching the students volleyball tips and tricks, getting to know more about them, meeting their families and telling them about their lives and experiences playing college volleyball.
The annual charity event was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but was able to raise more than $1,000 this year for the Rockland Holiday Magic program and the Rockland Food Pantry.
“This is such a terrific event every year, but after having to cancel it last year and having the student athletes from UMass Boston here this year, I think this may have been the best night we’ve ever had,” Principal Smith said. “The school and the administration are so proud to support such a wonderful fundraiser. We thank the athletes from UMass Boston, Coach Hologitas, and the entire Rockland community for making the evening so successful.”
Assist Those In Need
Residents can still support the two causes that benefited from the event.
The Rockland Holiday Magic committee anticipates a great need heading into the holiday season. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the committee is accepting monetary donations only this year.
Anyone who wishes to support the program, which assists families in Rockland with young children, can send a check to:
Holiday Magic
PO Box 50
Rockland MA, 02370
Donations should be received by Nov. 26 in order to allow the committee enough time to purchase gift cards for those in need by the first week of December. When donating, please indicate “for deposit only” on the check.
The Rockland Food Pantry was established in 1989 by a group of volunteers from Rockland churches and representatives from the community. It is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food distribution takes place every four weeks.
Donation drop-off sites are located at the following locations:
- Rockland Memorial Library, 20 Belmont St.
- Rockland Federal Credit Union, 241 Union St.
- Mountain One Bank, 279 Union St.
To learn more about volunteering, donating and more, click here.
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