Jodie Johnson, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
More than tackles and touchdowns
Jodie Johnson of Bethlehem, Pa., and Northeast Bethlehem Raiders youth football families gathered a community to help one of their own.
Parents and students, including Jodie’s 7-year-old son, first learned about volunteerism through football. Volunteers are necessary to help keep games running – from lugging helmets and cones to working concessions and picking up garbage after the games. The group also works to raise funds to improve the playing conditions of the field.
In October, Jarred Scott Phillips, a 9-year-old Raider player, died unexpectedly of a bacterial infection that spread to his heart. While the team was grieving, players and families, even those from opposing teams, worked together to raise funds to help the family cover medical and funeral expenses.
The group gathered at the Raiders’ Oct. 10 game to collect donations for the family and hold a bake sale. “To stand back and watch mothers, fathers, grandparents and kids pull together … putting our “team” needs aside … has been astonishing,” said Jodie. “Gatherings do end up with a purpose!”