Racquets and Jackets: A Heartwarming Success

On Saturday, January 25th, the ULM Alumni Center was abuzz with the spirit of giving as the local community came together for our first annual charity coat and tennis racquet drive, Racquets and Jackets. Organized by Serve and Return of Louisiana, a dedicated 501(c)(3) organization focused on empowering the community through tennis, the event was a resounding success!
Dr. Taryn Hill serving hot chocolate and collecting jackets.

From 9am to 11:30am, donors were greeted with warm smiles and the comforting aromas of donuts and hot chocolate. The event saw an overwhelming response from the community with monetary donations, a total of 245 jackets, and numerous racquets donated. These contributions will go a long way in helping those in need, ensuring they stay warm and continue to enjoy the sport of tennis.

This heartwarming initiative was made possible by the generous support of several sponsors, including Ken’s Coffee, Celine Donuts , Twinkling Smiles, Waste Connections, L. Reese, Sir Speedy, Tyn Enterprise, LLC., Eddie Clark and Associates, and 31 Ambassadors of ULM. Their commitment to community welfare and support for Serve and Return of Louisiana’s mission played a crucial role in the event’s success.

The event not only highlighted the importance of community support but also demonstrated the power of sports in bringing people together for a greater cause. The members of Serve and Return of Louisiana are inspired and uplifted by the community’s response to this initiative, reinforcing the belief that together, we can make a difference. Adding to the excitement, the 2025 ULM Women’s Tennis team dropped by to show their support for our organization. They announced their partnership with us to “Raise the Racket” for the game of tennis, further strengthening our mission and community impact.

For more information about future events and how you can contribute, please visit servereturnla.org. Let’s continue to spread warmth and joy, one jacket and racquet at a time.