Jan. 9, 2012

Photo Gallery

Washington, D.C. - The Fordham University women's basketball team brought a little cheer to some children at St. Barnabas Hospital's Pediatric Clinic in the Bronx this holiday season by distributing presents, autographed posters and photos, and schedule cards and spending time with many of the children in the hospital's pediatric ward. The toys were collected as part of the Fordham Rams' annual toy drive.

The time spent at the pediatric ward is part of an effort of the Fordham women's basketball team to give back to the local community that surrounds Fordham's campus. Each year all members of the Women's Basketball team are required to give 24 hours - "a day of their life" - back in service to others through RAMS24, Rams Achieving More Through Service.

The purpose of RAMS24 is to instill in each player the importance of not taking life for granted as they volunteer at various events in this great metropolis. With all the opportunities granted to student-athletes, it is imperative to the players that they are exposed to other aspects of life that might go unnoticed to the general population. Whether it's volunteering at a triathlon, visiting a hospital to encourage sick children, holding basketball clinics at local elementary schools or speak at a local assembly, the players gain a sense of awareness, appreciation and motivation to do more after their life at Fordham has ended.

Team captain Becky Peters said, "It's rewarding to bring a little bit of joy to these children during this time of year. Hopefully it will make them feel a little better." Peters and her teammates traveled over to the hospital together with bags of wrapped presents, autographed posters and lots of gear to surprise the children. Julio Diaz, Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions helped the basketball team distribute the toys on behalf of the Athletics Department. The team returned to St. Barnabas for the third time, after doing the same thing the previous two holiday seasons.

The Rams return to the hardwood on Wednesday, January 11, as they travel down to Philadelphia to take on La Salle University in an Atlantic 10 game at 12:00 p.m.