Throughout the month of November, the University of Redlands women's basketball team joined forces for a charitable cause called "Toys for Joy," which provides toys, clothes, and food for needy children and their families in Southern California. Last year, this organization provided more than 22,000 toys; 12,000 bags of groceries, and 223,000 articles of clothes and shoes to brighten the lives of many kids around the region.

Recently, the members of the Bulldog women's basketball helped "Toys for Joy" exceed last year's standard by contributing two huge boxes of toys. They also included individual, hand-written Christmas cards for the children.

Senior captain Jade Cheldelin (Portland, OR) recently shared her thoughts about this meaningful experience.  

"Toys for Joy" was a great opportunity for our team to come together and help make a difference in many families' lives. I know I speak for all of my team when I say that being a part of the women's basketball program here is a blessing. We are so thankful to have a second family and a home away from home, all in one. We realize that there are many less fortunate than us, and that is why we wanted to take this head-on and bring a smile to some children's faces. We enjoyed everything that came with this toy drive! My personal favorite was roaming each aisle, trying to find the best toys, and becoming a kid again with my teammates. It is amazing to see how the smallest things can make the world of difference and we are so grateful that we were able to be a part of something like this.

To support "Toys for Joy" or to learn more, please visit the organization's website.