Student athletes from Elizabethton High School were recently able to utilize their passion of competition to give back to the community during the holidays.
Members of the EHS Lady Cyclones softball team made a guest appearance at the East Tennessee Christian Home & Academy (ETCHA) Thursday afternoon and distributed gifts from the softball and baseball programs at the high school.
The initiative is part of ETCHA’s Bloom program, which is in place to connect community members with members of the Academy, and encourage ways of giving back.
“We’re so thankful for the progress of our Bloom program because it gives us an opportunity to expand and connect individuals with other people that are in need,” said Ron Marvel, director of development at ETCHA. “I think this is huge, the fact that the community is making a difference in the lives of children during Christmas. You couldn’t ask for any more.”
EmmaGrace Wilson, Lauren Brickey, Kallista DePrimo and Hannah Williams made the delivery of gifts, which totaled approximately $1,600.
“For me, I never really thought about kids not getting any Christmas presents but whenever I heard about this I really wanted to help out,” Brickey said. “I think it is just good for us to do this and let people know our focus isn’t just about softball. We really want to help people in the community.”
Having an aura of success during the spring on the diamonds, the teams joined together to hold a kickball game to serve as a fundraiser for the present drive.
While the endeavor was fun, the group broke out in a chuckle thinking about the fundraising initiative.
“Baseball and softball is so competitive. Honestly, we butt heads sometimes,” Brickey said with a grin. “But I thought it was great that we were able to come together to do this, while having some fun.”
Marvel thanked EHS softball coach Kenny Hardin, EHS baseball coach Ryan Presnell, their staff and the students for rallying together to provide Christmas for some youth from the Academy.
Throughout the year, ETCHA provides different projects and initiatives to help facilitate the operation of the facility while allowing the students part of the Academy a chance to grow as individuals in a safe environment.
To learn more about the organization or how to get involved, visit the East Tennessee Christian Home & Academy Facebook page online.