Dec. 17, 2008

Chicago, IL - For the fifth consecutive holiday season, the merry elves of the Robert Morris Softball team have taken an extra base in aiding An Angel's Touch--a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to assisting families in times of need--to provide gifts of food, clothing, and toys to a trio of families in Chicago's southwest suburbs.

"This is an event our players look forward to," said RMC Athletic Director and Softball Coach Megan Smith Eggert.  "They have all been blessed with great gifts such as their athletic abilities and the opportunity to pursue their college educations while they play a sport they love.  This activity helps put things in perspective for them."

An Angel's Touch us a federally recognized organization formed in 1991 by Patrick and Georgene Mitchell after they had suffered and survived set-backs of their own.  The Mitchells decided that would seek out and aid a family in need as they had been.  Soon family and friends joined them in their efforts and in each subsequent year, the number of families that received assistance grew.  Eventually the Mitchells and their partners were working all year around collecting clothing, canned goods, and money for the purchase of perishables and other necessities.  At Christmas children were given stockings hand-made and stuffed by members of the organization.  By 2003, An Angel's Touch was reaching out to more than 120 families.

"No one involved with An Angel's Touch is paid in any way," said Coach Smith Eggert, "other than the satisfaction of making a difference in people lives.  This is exactly what the NAIA's Champions of Character program is about. We're lucky to have the chance to help a great organization like this."

Champions of Character is a program of The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics designed to promote character development in youth and change the culture of sport.  The NAIA developed the in response to the growing problem of deteriorating standards of integrity in sports and society. At a time when all of sport has experienced increasingly abhorrent behavior by athletes, coaches, fans and parents, NAIA Champions of Character raises the standards for positive youth development in athletics and academics.

The culmination of the RMC Softball team's effort to assist An Angel's Touch is a wrapping party when all of the toys, clothing, and other gifts the players have collected and purchased are prepared. 

"It's an evening when we can get together for something besides the game," Coach Smith Eggert explained.  "It may sound like a cliche, but they really have learned the true meaning of Christmas."