CHARACTER COUNTS

Hamilton football player finds time to help community while off the field

Nov 16, 2020, 2:00 PM

(Courtesy photo)...

(Courtesy photo)

(Courtesy photo)

One would think being a senior in high school, a varsity football player and a member of the National Honor Society brings a packed schedule that leaves little time for other interests.

Yet Hamilton High School senior Trey Lockhart finds a way to do all those things and be involved with many volunteer organizations to help around the community.

The Chandler resident has participated in a variety of volunteer opportunities, such as making fleece blankets for foster children as Christmas gifts, helping support and train shelter dogs to become adaptable and cleaning up trash along Valley trailheads and parks.

He’s also collected donations for homeless young adults, held events and fundraisers to support local animal shelters and packed dry meals for starving children around the world.

A favorite of Lockhart’s is the “Shop with a Jock” event, where football players go shopping with kids in need to find Christmas presents, giving Lockhart a chance to see firsthand the impact that his charitable giving means to those who need it the most.

“Just seeing that, you kind of just realize that some of these people really need the help and if you could bring them that little bit of happiness, then it’s just all worth it, no matter how much work,” Lockhart said.

Lockhart’s schedule sounds busy, but he doesn’t see it that way.

“Once you realize how worth it it is to do then it won’t even seem busy to you,” Lockhart said. “You’ll be excited to do it and you’ll be blessed to do it.

“You’ll see how much of a good impact it is on to you and it kinda makes you feel less busy and more enjoying what you’re doing.”

The 18-year-old credits his considerate nature to his parents, who lead by example.

“They’re very giving people,” Lockhart said. “Just seeing the type of people they are and how they raised me is the biggest reason why I do any of this.”

Lockhart is focusing on figuring out college plans, but plans to continue reaching out to community service organizations even if he leaves Arizona.

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