Brandon Jackson

Terrell Chestnut and Isaiah Bruce have been stars on the football field. They have scored touchdowns, gotten interceptions, and forced fumbles. But their finest accomplishments have been in the community.

Both Chestnut and Bruce have donated time, food, and support to the homeless population in the downtown Morgantown area.

They enjoy the volunteer work that they do, and it is evident that the homeless that they help enjoy it as well.

“I don’t think there’s a way to express the feeling I get from helping in the community,” Chestnut said. “The sense of gratitude they give us is something amazing.”

Bruce repeated the same sentiment, noting that the gratitude felt from the homeless was prevalent.

“I feel like it’s rewarding in a sense,” said Bruce. “The gratitude these homeless people feel, when they see us come down there and help out, a lot of them say thank you.”

For some, seeing a homeless person may be an awkward inconvenience. People look down or talk bad about the homeless. But for Chestnut, it is a call to action. He noted that this is an everyday thing for him. If he sees a homeless person on High St. he may stop and get them a quick meal.

Chestnut has made a habit of working in the community, and not just with the homeless. He was on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, and was a recipient of WVU’s Curtis Jones Achievement Award.

Both of these former players have continued to do great work in the community, and will continue to do so.

Bruce offered up kind words of support for the homeless, and anyone that may be currently struggling.

“Don’t give up. Don’t try to put yourself in a worse situation,” Bruce said. “Do what you can. Keep praying, and give it up to God. And he’ll find a way.”