Red Wolves - IU East

The Red Wolves went shopping for a good cause on Dec. 14.

Indiana University East cross country runners took part in the "Christmas Shop" at the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County on Dec. 14.

Youngsters use "Santa Bucks" earned at other club activities to "purchase" Christmas gifts for family members.

The youngsters could choose their gifts from long tables that filled one of the facility's gymnasiums.

The IU East cross country runners helped the youngsters "shop" for presents and then helped wrap the gifts.

"Helping the kids pick up gifts was pretty fun," said junior Vanessa Legg (Lynn, Ind./Randolph Southern High School). "I enjoyed helping the kids a lot, and I hope we can do it again."

Sophomore Kelsey West (Cambridge City, Ind./Lincoln High School), sophomore Nick Reece (Fountain City, Ind./Richmond High School), freshman Jon Strong (Connersville, Ind./Connersville High School), freshman Jordan Kearney (Centerville, Ind./Centerville High School) and sophomore James Healton (Centerville, Ind./Centerville High School) also helped out at the Christmas Shop, as did coach Pam Mertz.

"It was a great experience," Mertz said. "I think the kids had a great time and enjoyed themselves.

"Several volunteers commented on how impressed they were with the athletes. They thought they looked nice and were helpful to the young shoppers."