CHS cheerleaders donate $3,900 to We Can Care Childress

CHILDRESS – The crowd erupted when the Childress High School (CHS) cheerleaders gave We Can Care Childress members a check for $3,900 at their annual Pink Out Pep Rally on Friday, Oct 7.

“This is the most they have done for us,” said We Can Care Childress President Carolyn Jennings. “It’s exciting. The girls (cheerleaders) were genuinely happy they did so much.”

CHS cheerleading sponsor Wendi Stephens said they were able to give more money this year because three banks – Childress Interbank, First United Bank and Wellington State – helped with the cost of the T-shirts.

“We sold maybe 10 more shirts than last year,” Stephens said. “The difference was the donations that were made helped pay for the shirts.”

That donation meant the world to We Can Care members.

“Childress Interbank, First United Bank and Wellington State Bank sponsored the T-shirts, so all proceeds from selling T-shirts would go to We Can Care,” said Tammy Wyatt, We Can Care member. “We love them.”

That feeling is felt throughout the We Can Care organization. Member Barbara Sue Parr has a “huge appreciation to the cheerleaders and sponsors that made this possible” because they haven’t been able to fundraise as needed since the COVID pandemic.

“So many thanks and hugs to all who bought a T-shirt and the banks that sponsored them,” Parr said. “A donation of this size lets the board members take a big sigh of relief.”

Jennings said the organization is helping 30 cancer patients. By the grace of God and this community, Parr said they have been able to continue to help. We Can Care had two new cancer patients call the day of the pep rally.

“These gas cards mean so much to so many,” she said.

The same could be said for the Pink Out Pep Rally. Not only was it packed, it was loud. CHS students donned pink hats, glasses and clothes in support of the fight against breast cancer.

“The crowd was great at the pink out pep rally,” Stephens said. “Moving it to the small gym has definitely improved crowd involvement. Everything was amazing!”

CHS cheerleading sponsor Kristie Churchill said the cheerleaders one to two hours a night preparing for pep rallies.

“Most people don’t realize what goes into planning and practicing for a pep rally,” she explained. “These girls are all so busy. We have to work around volleyball practices, volleyball games, college homework, team dinners and Thursday night JV games.”

Churchill would like to thank the cheer moms for helping with the decorations.