16U Remember Others Over the Holidays

Team Illinois Girls 16U team determined that the holidays were a perfect time to branch out from the usual hockey routine of school, fuel, and play hockey. They made the most of three opportunities to give their time and talents to those in need. 

On Nov. 30th, a group of the girls met at Woodfield Ford in Schaumburg to wrap Christmas presents for underprivileged children. Mr. Mitch McGuire (aka Santa) provided the toys for the busy TI girls (aka the elves) to wrap for Boys and Girls Club of America, and other charities. 

A different group of girls from the team later met at Hesed House, a homeless shelter in Aurora, to help decorate for the holidays. Hesed House operates a food pantry, soup kitchen, and a daytime shelter for the Tri-City area. Who among us would not be grateful to have a group of young elves come in and put up our tree and decorate with abandon? 

The last group of girls visited the Resurrection Retirement Home in Chicago, on Dec. 23rd, to enjoy cookies and milk with the residents. One little elf even got some caroling started. For some of the residents it was a first to meet and chat with a girl hockey player! 

TI Girls 16U would like to thank the people who allowed these opportunities of community service at their places of business. The girls and the parents who participated in these volunteer activities agreed that teamwork can be enhanced with some off-ice time doing something to benefit others.