Members of the women's soccer team traveled to Lakeview to sing Christmas carols at a residential care home.
 
Members of the women's soccer team traveled to Lakeview to sing Christmas carols at a residential care home.
 
 
Women's Soccer Goes Caroling

Freshmen spread holiday cheer to local nursing home residents

Dec. 6, 2011

CHICAGO - In the afternoon on Dec. 3, seven freshman members of the Loyola women's soccer team showcased their musical stylings and spread holiday cheer to Crowder Place Nursing Home in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Ill.

Using her love of Christmas as a guide, Allison Rydberg decided to coordinate the visit. She chose personal favorites for the set list, learned the chords to play on her guitar, and asked teammates to join in with the lyrics.

"It was great to be able to reach out to and connect with the local community," said Rydberg of the experience. "Especially during this season of Christmas, it was nice to be able to spend time with people who may not have anyone with whom to share the holiday."

In addition to Rydberg, Allison Shimer, Lindsay Fillingim, Valerie Gonyo, Monica Gonyo, Allison Graner, and Sammy Gage, were among the carolers that visited the home's residents. The girls were welcome guests at Crowder Place, taking pictures with residents afterwards. The team even received an open invitation to come back next year, something the girls hope to follow through with.

Rydberg added, "It was very rewarding to see how happy the residents were to sing Christmas carols with us, and we are planning on making this an annual event from here on out."