Tis the season to give back…but for most cheerleaders, everyday is a good time to give back. Cheerleaders know that when groups of enthusiastic people come together, for a cause, we have the power to make a difference. We may not be able to change the world, but we might change the world for one person or animal. Philanthropy isn’t seasonal…it’s stylish year ‘round. So don’t wait for a holiday - EVERY day is the perfect day to give back! Here are just a few examples of the amazing generosity happening in our cheer community throughout every season:

Competition Companies Giving Back:

Spirit Celebration:

Photo: Vicki Dill

The display of toys collected at Spirit Celebration’s Christmas Classic was something out of child’s fantasy. Bikes, Barbies, games, stuffed animals and more were collected and filled up truck after truck to be delivered to the Scottish Rite Hospital, the Dallas Association of the Deaf, and I Can Still Shine. In addition there was a blood donation station on the competition premises to make it simple for spectators to donate during the day’s events. To find out more about Spirit Celebration and the charities they are giving back to click here:

American Cheer Power:
American Cheer Power believes everyone can make a difference in philanthropy, no matter their age, including athletes. Each year in November American Cheer Power holds Patriotic themed Championships where they collect donations for troops overseas. This year they collected 12 full pallets of donations to ship to our troops abroad. As a special treat, all the programs that donated items were listed in Cheer Power's next Cheer Biz ad, with large team photos of all programs that donated the most.

Photo: Cheer Power

In addition to the Patriotic donations, in December, Cheer Power holds a toy drive at each of its three Christmas Championships in Ohio and Texas. Thousands of toys have been collected over the years and were given to the Salvation Army, Angels of Hope and Bay Area Turning Point, along with other local charities. This year, the charities had to bring U-Haul box trucks to hold all the toys! At each award ceremony at both Patriotic and Christmas Championships, programs that brought items were recognized, and the program that brought the most donations received a beautiful themed plaque and their photo on Cheer Power's website. Regina Symons, the Founder and CEO of American Cheer Power is astounded by the turnout of giving and says this about her competitors;

We are always OVERWHELMED at the generosity of our athletes, coaches and parents! Cheerleaders are always so enthusiastic and come through for us each year. We are so proud of our athletes!

Spirit Brands:
In 2009 the Ryker boys and their mom, along with several other families and their hometown football organization, the Atco Lions, began a campaign called “Are you Tough Enough to Wear Pink?” This charity day started out as a day of wearing pink socks and raising a little bit of money for Susan G. Komen. In 2010 Spirit Brands came on board to make the day bigger and brighter by helping to raise thousands of dollars. Spirit Brands donates all of the equipment for their yearly carnival as well as the t-shirts, prizes and food. The Ryker boys have kept this tradition going for six years. This year they hit the $20,000 mark in money raised. They credit a large part of their success to the collaboration with Spirit Brands. For more about the Ryker brothers click here:

NCA:
This well established company hosts a Toys for Tots toy drive during their December competition in Frisco, Texas. It's always a big event for giving back in the Dallas area.

Cheer Gyms Giving Back:

Woodlands Elite Cheer Company:
During the Woodlands Elite annual showcase they used the event as an opportunity to not only perform this season’s new routines but to also spread awareness about the Wounded Warrior Project. WWP is a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, service and events for wounded veterans of the military actions following the events of September 11, 2001. With donations from the gracious WE families and ticket sales from the event, WE was able to raise $8,000 for WWP. Nfinity was also kind enough to provide two backpacks that were auctioned off. Woodlands Elite supports our Veterans and is proud to stand behind the Wounded Warriors Project.

ProSpirit:
This year ProSpirit, out of McKinney, TX, adopted three families in need. Not only were these families in need but each family has a child battling cancer. From hosting a holiday party for the families, to decorating their trees, and giving them all the gifts on their wish lists, ProSpirit made the holiday season a little more cheerful for those who have heavy hearts this holiday season.

Cheers & More:
This Oklahoma gym adopts a family in need every year and gives them something to smile about during the holiday season.

Maverick Cheer:
This team, from Weatherford, TX, gives back to their community by performing at local events to bring in more people and stimulate the camaraderie and economy in their small town. They participate in the Christmas on the Square event as well as Holiday in the Park.

Cheer Station:
Cheer Station joined forces with the Junior League of Austin during their Coats for Kids Campaign. Last year Cheer Station, combined with their sister company, Cheer America, donated over 35,000 coats to kids in needs. In addition they participated in the Dell Book Drive and and donated over 2400 books.

Victory Vipers:

Photo: Vicki Dill

This Sugar Land based gym has hosted pet adoption events, in the past, during their gym-wide showcases. While they present their pro-shop apparel, in a cheer attire fashion show, the selected cheer models parade the animals in front of the crowd on leashes. They have found homes for no less than 40 dogs and cats from Fort Bend Animal Control as well as SAVE rescue group.

Twist & Shout:
This strong force out of Oklahoma lost one of their own cheerleaders unexpectedly. The team members came together to help cover the family’s expenses. Instead of having their annual T & S Christmas party they used those funds to contribute to the family of their team member that had passed.

Cheer Athletics:
With over 34 teams this group of cheerleaders could probably conquer the world. They are hosting a Carnival for a Cause this January 22, 2016 and hope to have a huge turnout.