Leaders for Tomorrow, a club at River Dell dedicated to providing with athletes the opportunity to give back to their community, will be completing their first fundraiser on October 3rd.
Leaders for Tomorrow are selling “Hope Bags” which will raise money for children at Valley Hospital’s pediatric unit. Each package includes two books, a coloring book, crayons, and a tote.
For every bag purchased, PaperPie, partnering with the River Dell athletic department, will donate an additional book to Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide, non-profit shelter facilities for families of critically ill or injured children receiving medical care away from home.
Last year, Leaders for Tomorrow held a “Cuddle Bear” fundraiser which raised approximately $1300 and delivering 75 books and teddy bears to the pediatric unit at Vally Hospital. “Last year’s fundraiser showed us how powerful it is when people come together for a good cause,” said Mr. Aliano, a club advisor. “The impact we made was incredible.”
These fundraisers not only impact the patients at the hospital but also the River Dell community. “Many people, especially younger kids, look up to the high school students. It is important for them to see that there are many other important things that come about as athletes, and I think giving back to the community is something that should be a focus.”
For student athletes, the Hope Bag drive provides a leadership opportunity to lead by example.
The club hopes that patients know that “people are thinking about them and that whatever they are going through, [and] hopefully something as small as this “Hope Bag” will help brighten their day and help make their situation more manageable, whatever it may be.”
