Citrus: Crystal River FCA helps needy kids

Crystal River FCA helps needy kids

By CAREY FREEMAN

CRYSTAL RIVER -- The idea came to Brent Hall in a flash.

The problem: How to make Christmas better for some of Citrus County's neediest families?

The solution: Crystal River High School students, specifically those involved in Hall's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter.

"My wife came home one night and just started crying," Hall said of Jenny, an integral figure in the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Citrus County chapter. "I couldn't believe some of the stuff she was telling me.

"Right then I knew I had to do something," Hall said. "I didn't know what, but I had to do something. And then, when I was standing in front of the kids at our weekly FCA meeting, it hit me."

The idea was simple enough: Take the proceeds from the annual Powder Puff girls football game and use the money to brighten the lives of those who might otherwise go without a proper Christmas.

Only thing is, nobody could have predicted at the time just how successful the effort would be. The proof rested in the 18 children whose eyes lit up like flashbulbs when the Halls and FCA members toted out the substantial cash they acquired.

"Their faces are just glowing," said Denise Perry, who was there with her twin daughters, Kathleen and Maureen, 3, and son, Richard, 9.

"Now they'll have a Christmas. We weren't counting on very much this year, so this is very nice."

This was the high point of a night that warmed the hearts of everybody in attendance -- from the Halls to the 14 student volunteers who helped cook Christmas dinner to Big Brothers and Big Sisters Director Penny Johnson and newly elected school Superintendent David Hickey.

In all, the Crystal River High chapter of the FCA was able to raise in excess of $3,000 from the Powder Puff game, with nearly $1,800 going to buy toys for the children selected for Tuesday's dinner.

All additional funds will be put into the Take Stock in Children's 2-plus-2 Scholarship Fund, which hopes to eventually award as many as 60 scholarships to needy children in conjunction with the Florida Pre-Paid Scholarship fund.

"It did surprise me," Johnson said. "When we originally talked about the Powder Puff football game, I was excited that they would use the proceeds to buy gifts for some of our families, but I expected one small gift for each child. But it really ballooned, and they were able to buy whole bags of toys.

"We chose families in our program that we felt could use that kind of help, families who otherwise would probably not have a great Christmas," Johnson said. "Sometimes you work everyday and wonder why you do it. But, when you see an evening like this, you know why. It's nice to see the kids come out and help others. They've really worked hard."

As did the Halls, who spent most of Monday night shopping for the gifts at Walmart. With the help of their three children, the family was able to buy gift packages tailored to each of the recipients.

Boys received various pieces of sports equipment. The girls packages centered around Compact Disk players and dolls.

There were packages tailored for the younger kids in addition to the candy canes that were filled with Hershey's Kisses for all the kids.

Most were not aware of the packages until the Halls and FCA members began passing them out. The children squealed with delight when the candy canes were handed out, and could not contain their joy when the presents kept coming.

"This is just wonderful," said a tearful Cheri Spiller, who brought her children, Jarred, 8, Olivia, 10, and Trista, 12. "All these people coming out to help other people this helps more than you will ever know."

The night began with a holiday dinner prepared by Food Services teacher Lucy Thompson and 14 student volunteers.

"This is a lot of fun," said Eric Grannan, a starter on the football team and FCA member. "I enjoy putting back into the community."