Team reaches out to community
Hockey players for the North Pittsburgh Wildcats often are focused on crisp passes, making saves and causing turnovers.
Many of them recently turned their attention to a worthwhile cause off the ice.
North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) annually accepts donated Christmas gifts that are given to children of families in need.
“Melissa Jackman is our team manager,” said Tim Brooks, a coach for the Wildcats, many of whom reside in Butler County. “She has a connection with the outreach program and let me know that we were getting down to the wire here and there were many families who still needed gifts for their kids.”
Brooks sent out an email to the parents of his 10U team, asking for help to help fill the void with the holiday fast approaching.
“I was hoping that each family could donate between $20 and $30, but what they gave (totaling over $2,500) went above and beyond that,” said Brooks. “The parents really stepped up.
“We were given a list of toys that the families (in need) were asking for and I was planning on going to the store with a couple of players to buy them.”
Thirteen players ended up joining in the shopping spree following a team practice Dec. 14.
“The kids were in the locker room, talking about the toys they needed to find,” Brooks said. “They were really looking forward to it.
“I was surprised at how aware they were of what they were doing and who they were doing it for.”
The toys were delivered to the outreach program's office days later.
Families involved with other Wildcat teams donated money as well. Thanks to the hockey organization's efforts, over 40 families will have toys for their children Christmas morning.
“COVID is still having an affect on a lot of people,” said Vicki Burstynowicz, Sharing Projects Coordinator for NHCO. “Some are still out of work because of it, and others have to stay home with their kids because they can't afford day care.
“We were overwhelmed by the hockey team's response. We also received hundreds of gift cards.”
Brooks said he hopes other teams will be encouraged to perform similar good deeds in the future.
“I've been involved in sports from the time I played as a youth and now as a coach,” he said. “There's something about hockey families; they just seem to be so humble.”
Jackman was moved by the actions of the team.
“It is so touching to see that when given the opportunity, even little kids can make such a difference,” she replied.
