SAGU hoopsters ring in the holidays
Players team-up with the Salvation Army
Red Kettle Drive a worthy service project
WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- On the court they receive an assist for serving others. In the community a servant’s heart brings its own reward.
Coupled with the spirit of Christmas, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University men’s and women’s basketball teams jumped at the opportunity to serve the Salvation Army as bell ringers.
Athletic teams from SAGU are involved throughout the year in community service, ministry and missions, and in support of projects that reflect the values of the university.
A recent blood drive was led by a member of the Lions basketball team, Clayton O'Neill (Halletsville, Tx / Halletsville HS). Later this season the teams will raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.
The Lady Lions hoopsters recently presented Christmas gifts for the Apache Kids Toy Drive in White River, Arizona. The unemployment rate on the reservation is over 92%, so the needs were evident. (see photo below)
On Tuesday afternoon the Lions basketball players, followed by the Lady Lions on Wednesday morning, were active volunteer ringers for eight hours at the Salvation Army’s red kettle drive at the Waxahachie Wal-Mart.
“Serving is something you have to make yourself do,” said Head Coach Donnie Bostwick, “until you take part in it.”
“You find out that you’re the one being blessed.”
“Our guys enjoy helping others. There is no better way of showing God's love,” he added. “The Salvation Army serving experience was humbling. Simply smiling and telling people Merry Christmas or asking them how there day was seemed to brighten up so many people's day.”
“You realize how blessed you are and how spreading God's love is really what we are called to do.”
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the world's largest providers of social aid, with expenditures including operating costs of $2.6 billion in 2004, helping more than 32 million people in the U.S. alone. Their theme, “Doing the Most Good,” is more than lip service.
Meeting needs after natural disasters is just one of many aspects of their mission. When it began in London, England in 1865 the organization offered the three S’s.
They provided to down-and-outers soap, soup and salvation, in that order.
They continue spreading the gospel while bringing relief of poverty and benefitting society with needed services.
Wikipedia reports that in 1994, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, an industry publication, released the results of the largest study of charitable and non-profit organization popularity and credibility.
The study showed that The Salvation Army was ranked as the 4th "most popular charity/non-profit in America" of over 100 charities researched with 47% of Americans over the age of 12 choosing Love and Like a Lot for The Salvation Army.
As of this year the Salvation Army operates in 125 countries and provides services in 175 different languages.
The highly reputable organization has a local branch in Waxahachie that SAGU is proud to support. (For more information see below)
Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, SAGU Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.
You are welcome to shop at, or make donations at The Salvation Army thrift store at 620 Farley Street, Waxahachie, TX
75165. Phone: (972) 937-7727.
