19U Reach Out Over Holidays

This year, the 19U team chose to look beyond themselves for the holiday season and try to make others smile. On December 18, thanks to the coordination efforts of Natalie Granato, seven members of the team went to the Ronald McDonald Children's ward at Loyola Hospital and had a pizza party for teenagers in the hospital. Unfortunately, only one resident was able to attend but the flip side of the coin was what this generated for the one who came and for the girls. First, each girl brought gifts to be passed out to the patients who could not attend. The one who did attend, a 16 year-old boy named George, reported that he had a great time. The girls had pizza with George, toured the hospital, played games and then appointed him their "Team Mascot". The staff reported that this was the first time that George had come out of his room and down to see visitors, and that was a huge success for him. The girls were excited and pleased when their "Mascot" George came to see them play a game at Seven Bridges the weekend after New Years. It really made everyone feel that they were special and had made a difference in George's life. The girls reported that this was a real "feel good" thing to do. 

Through the efforts of Karen Levin, a 19U skater, a letter to Santa was requested from the postal service. The girls received a letter from a 7 year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York who reported that he has two siblings, one who is 2 and one who is 1 and that their father had been out of work for a year. This young man asked Santa for warm winter clothing for his siblings and himself. With over $200 of their own money, a few girls went shopping and purchased winter coats, hats and gloves, warm clothing and toys for each of the children. They were even able to buy a few small gifts for the parents. A card was made with the team picture and all of the girl's names, and they spent a great deal of time and care to wrap and label each gift. The package was mailed on December 22, just in time to arrive for Christmas. 

Both of these experiences reminded our girls that we were not put on this earth to be alone, but to be together and to work together. This is what family is all about and what team is all about. This is what every day should be about. The 19U team has a lot to be proud about this holiday season. Great job girls!!!