We first told you about Clark Atlanta University Women’s Basketball player Danielle Veney in early December when she was awarded the prestigious L.S. Epps Memorial Scholarship. This time Danielle is making news for her efforts to fulfill the Christmas wishes of disadvantaged children in her hometown of Baltimore, using donations and her own limited
funds as a college student for her annual toy giveaway. Soon, dozens of underprivileged families will be treated to free bicycles, video games and toys thanks to Danielle’s effort.
It’s just one of three charity events she has sponsored annually in Baltimore since 2010. That’s when she launched the Kelvin Wendell Sorrell Sr. nonprofit organization in honor of her cousin who died of cancer. In addition to the Christmas toy giveaway, Danielle sponsors a yearly Thanksgiving Day dinner with all the trimmings and a back-to-school book bag giveaway. She also provides mentoring for at-risk children living in shelters.
“I love giving back,” said Danielle, when asked why she took on this huge challenge while she was still in high school. “I just want to prove people wrong. There are children in Baltimore who have dreams and want to be something,” she continued.
Danielle is proof that hard work off the court also has its rewards. In the summer of 2016 she was honored by former Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for outstanding community service to the city’s children. As a senior criminal justice major, she maintains a 4.0-G.P.A. Upon graduation, Danielle plans to pursue an advanced degree to prepare for a career in forensic science.
“It could have been me in a tough situation. I could have been in a shelter growing up, but I was blessed,” she remarked. Danielle eventually wants to spread her blessings beyond Baltimore.
“I definitely see it growing and expanding. I would like to bring it down to Atlanta.”
For more information on her charity events email KWSnonprofit.org@gmail.com or call 443.739.5831.
“Giving back is part of my game; and with God, I have everything, without God I have nothing,” Danielle finished.
