The freshmen cheer squad wanted to do a special service project that would make an impact for the holidays. They wanted it to be something that would truly be a blessing to someone who needed holiday "cheer" this year. Lana Wakefield, the cheer spnosor, has a younger brother who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy, and he and his shipmates will not be coming home this Christmas. She proposed the idea of sending a care package to her brother and his mates. These servicemen need to be encouraged and uplifted, especially this time of year! The freshmen cheerleaders loved the idea and decided to get the entire freshmen class involved. Each of the cheerleaders became responsible for "cheering on" an advisory class by encouraging their classmates to bring in items that would both help the servicemen and women, but also remind them of Christmas back home. The cheerleaders and students collected items like toothbrushes, Chap Stick, and snacks, as well as Christmas CD's, holiday treats, and homemade Christmas cards. When the week came to an end, the cheerleaders had over 15 boxes worth of goodies!! It weighed well over 65 pounds!!
The freshmen and JV cheerleading squads spent an afternoon with markers, crayons, construction paper, glitter, etc. to make beautiful cards to send with the packages. The freshmen cheerleaders also encouraged their classmates in the advisory classes to write a small note of thanks, encouragement, or just “Merry Christmas!”
With this great success, came an unexpected dilemma: the cheerleaders did not have enough money to ship everything they had collected, even after looking into the military rate on a flat rate box. Thanks to FOX 6, CBS 42, and the Birmingham Newspaper, the word got out about their disappointment. People from all over the Birmingham area and a couple from Mississippi have emailed, called, and sent very generous donations. They have now collected more than enough money to send every last box.
Way to go Freshmen Cheerleaders!
