(South Bend, IN) - Just before Christmas Notre Dame’s football team capped off a busy week by helping out an important area charity.

 

Last Thursday 40 of the players squeezed in final exams before defeating Indiana Friday night. On Sunday afternoon they all gathered at the Ronald McDonald House in South Bend to collect donations.

 

Kelly Montgomery is the director of operations there. Notre Dame student-athletes are no stranger to Ronald McDonald House, but she said this is the first time they have run the “Stocking the House” donation drive. “For two hours, we have the Notre Dame players with us here today,” she said. “We are asking for donations for our pantry that will help get us through the first part of the year next year.”

 

The Ronald McDonald House provides food and shelter in a cozy, hotel-like environment for families who have children receiving care at Memorial Hospital. Montgomery says they’re especially busy this time of year. “It’s been a busy season,” she said. “Once the kids get back to school, and all the germs start going around, we get lots of sick kids, unfortunately, and it drifts through into the holidays.” Montgomery says the Ronald McDonald House is currently at about 70% occupancy in their overnight rooms, and their day services are “off the charts.”

 

Every Notre Dame football player was on hand Sunday. Following a convincing win over Indiana, they were in good spirits, offering fist bumps and cheers for everyone who stopped by to make donations.

 

Ronald McDonald House is always happy to receive donations. Click HERE to see their wish list and see how you can contribute.