OBU football team members run onto the field during a home game (Photo by Dr. Wesley Kluck)
This holiday season, the Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) football team is fundraising to help provide gifts and essentials for foster families and expectant mothers.
The fundraising primarily benefits The CALL in Clark County, the Pregnancy Resource Center for Southwest Arkansas, and the Percy & Donna Malone Child Safety Center in Arkadelphia.
Fundraising efforts have taken place each year for the last 25 years around Christmas, and each year they have raised $3,000 to $10,000. Last year, the team raised $10,000, which was above the goal. This year’s goal is $8,000.
Hutch Grace, a redshirt freshman linebacker from Shreveport, Louisiana, shared, “I’m grateful to have played even a small role in such a meaningful team effort. Knowing that a child will get to experience Christmas or that a life may be changed or even saved makes it all worth it. I’m especially thankful for a God who calls people to open their homes and hearts to kids in need, and for the dedicated staff members who pour so much care into helping moms rebuild their lives. I’m also thankful for a coach who continually gives us opportunities to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s a blessing to witness and contribute to work that truly makes a difference.”
Alyssa Pye, affiliate director of The CALL in Clark County, said they are grateful for the OBU football team and their long-standing commitment to children in foster care in Clark County. The mission of The CALL is to educate, equip, and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for children in foster care in Arkansas.
“Their fundraising directly provides Christmas gifts for local children — whether they enter care weeks before Christmas or at the very last minute — and allows foster families to create meaningful memories together during the holidays,” Pye said. “Even with the spotlight that comes with being athletes, these young men continue to serve quietly behind the scenes, showing our kids what compassionate, Christ-centered leadership looks like.”
Ouachita Football Head Coach Todd Knight said when you see the passion of those involved with these organizations, “you can’t help but be moved.”
“The team gets it done and knowing they all are a small part of helping these families and especially the children and the unborn – what a huge honor for us,” Knight said.
Folks interested in contributing can donate through Ouachita Football here. Simply make a note in the instructions as to what it goes toward. Additionally, folks can donate directly to The CALL, Pregnancy Resource Center, or the Percy & Donna Malone Child Safety Center at the following links.