ISU Women’s soccer team raise $2,500 in two days

In just two days, the Indiana State University women's soccer team managed to raise $2,500 for the Ryves Hall Christmas House.

Originally, the women's soccer team was solely volunteering to help with the distribution of toys and operation of the Christmas House Nov. 28. However, when the team arrived, they discovered the Christmas House was in  dire need of childrens' toys.

"These toys are given to children to ensure they will have a present on Christmas. No child should ever have to go without," junior defender Casey Allbright said.

Without hesitation, the team quickly brainstormed ideas to help out the local Terre Haute children.

The team decided the first way to go about raising money for the Christmas House was to start directly at the core. Each team member personally donated $5.

Alongside this, Student-athlete Advisory Commitee (SAAC) had recently hosted a talent show and decided to donate all proceeds, over $500, to the Christmas House.

Matching that $500 donation, the Sycamore Foundation also supported the cause.

During halftime at the women's basketball game Nov. 30, John Sherman made an announcement asking fans to support the cause and donate to the Christmas House. With gift boxes crafted by the women's soccer team being passed around, the fans' support shone through as $900 was donated to the Christmas House.

The intentions of the women's soccer team in raising money for this cause was only to be abe to provide toys for the children. However, with such a positive response, the team was not only able to purchase all the toys needed, but they were also able to completely restock the men's clothing shelves.

"Our players were really the instigators behind the fundraiser. They recognized a significant need right here in our own community and passionately worked to make a difference,"  Assistant Coach Justin Ruetz said.

The women's soccer team decided that this fundraiser will be an event taken on annually.