Cheerleaders coat rivalry with charity
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Friday night, while these hometown rivals meet on the football field, the cheerleaders of North Hills and North Allegheny high schools will work together in the fourth annual Unite on Game Night coat drive. Cheerleading squads will collect coats from the crowd before the game at the gates of North Hills' Martorelli Stadium on Perry Highway, Ross. The coats will be given to the North Hills Community Outreach Free Coat Shop in Millvale.
The drive started when North Allegheny athletic director Bob Bozzuto was talking to a friend, Pat Mannarino, now North Hills' assistant superintendent. "I asked him, 'How can we continue this rivalry but also do something meaningful?' " he said.
As they tossed ideas around, the two talked to the cheerleading coaches and came up with the coat drive. To spur participation in the event, the districts have offered initiatives such as $1 off the price of admission, North Allegheny and North Hills seat cushions and water bottles. This year, North Hills will once again offer seat cushions in exchange for the donated coats. "We've collected about 700 coats a year. Both of these communities are very generous, and this helps folks who are local," said Mr. Bozzuto.
Wendy Gordon, director of communications at North Hills Community Outreach, said the cheerleaders had collected more than 2,000 coats over the years.
"Without the support of groups such as the cheerleaders, we wouldn't be able to help nearly as many people stay warm this winter," she said.
Saturday morning, some cheerleaders will work in shifts to sort and deliver the clothing.
Kelsey Brazell, 17, North Hills senior cheerleader, said: "Some of the families bring five to 10 coats. It is such a great cause, and we have a lot of fun."
The cheerleaders will collect new and gently worn coats of all sizes. "We get some for little boys and girls all the way up to double extra large," Kelsey said. Coats have been collected throughout the week at both high schools. "We are really hoping for over 500 coats this year," she said.
No matter who wins the game, everyone is a winner, Ms. Gordon said. "They are a great group of kids, year after year, and a wonderful example of how everyone can make a difference in the lives of their neighbors in need."
Bring donations to the stadium ticket booth before 7:30 p.m. Friday kickoff .
First Published October 28, 2010 5:43 am
