Christmas was still months away, but the Evergreen Park Community High School cheerleaders were already thinking about how they could bring a little holiday joy to children in their community.
What began as an idea for a summer service project grew into a school-to-school effort that collected 107 toys for young patients at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.
The EPCHS cheerleading team takes part in a community service project each year. This summer, the team decided to try something different by inviting other cheerleading programs to join them.
The idea came from one of the team’s assistant coaches while the cheerleaders were preparing for a National Cheerleaders Association Skillz Camp July 25.
“One of our assistant coaches brought up that since we were attending the camp on July 25, halfway to Christmas, that we should do a toy drive,” said Rachael Mayo, head coach of the EPCHS cheerleading team.
The team wanted the project to stay close to home, so the cheerleaders contacted Advocate Children’s Hospital to see how they could help.
“We wanted to select a local hospital so we could impact our community in a positive way,” Mayo said.
Hospital officials told the team that summer was actually a good time to collect toys. Donations typically increase around the winter holidays, making the summer months an opportunity to provide needed items before the holiday rush.
The EPCHS cheerleaders then reached out to other teams attending the camp. Cheerleaders from Lemont, Lockport, Lincoln-Way Central and Wheaton Academy joined the effort and helped add to the growing collection.
By the time the drive was over, the teams had gathered 107 toys.
The EPCHS cheerleaders and their coaches eventually delivered the donations to the hospital themselves. That visit gave the students a chance to see firsthand where their efforts were going.
Mayo said the impact of the project really hit home when the cheerleaders saw the reaction from hospital staff.
“I don’t know if our girls saw the full impact of what we were doing until we brought the toys to the hospital and saw how thankful the staff was,” Mayo said. “That’s when I think they realized what this is going toward, and that there’s a tangible benefit.”
EPCHS junior cheerleader Kassidy Butler said the experience gave the team a perspective that went beyond collecting toys.
“It brings to light a brighter purpose and bigger picture,” Butler said. “Bringing joy to others, especially these kids who are going through a lot, feels exciting. It’s good to wake up and know that you did something good for the kids.”
Junior cheerleader Natalia Porroga also appreciated seeing other schools get involved.
“It felt really nice for us to help these kids, and know that it wasn’t just us, but cheerleaders from other schools as well who wanted to join in,” Porroga said.
The team also had plenty of fun with the project.
Mayo said the 25 EPCHS cheerleaders gathered the toys before heading to the NCA camp held outside Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst. They dressed for the occasion, wearing Christmas hats and bows while Christmas music played in the background.
“It’s important that we give back to the community in ways like these and spread kindness when we can,” Mayo said.
Giving back has become part of the EPCHS cheerleading tradition. Previous service projects have included volunteering at charitable walks and helping with activities at the Evergreen Park Recreation Department.
This year’s toy drive, though, stood out as the team’s biggest undertaking yet.
“This is the biggest endeavor we’ve taken on,” Mayo said.