Pop Warner team to sponsor fundraiser for area hospital

This Sunday is more than just about football for the Naperville Chargers.

The Chargers youth football program is sponsoring a fundraiser at North Central College for Children's Memorial Hospital.

Children from the hospital have been invited to join the Chargers on the field prior to the six football games that start at 9:30 a.m. In addition, money raised through raffles, donations and an admission fee will go toward the hospital.

"We wanted our kids to see how fortunate they are to be able to play football and be healthy," said Erik Milliren, community events coordinator for the Chargers, and also a coach and parent of two boys in the program.

"It's a great way to give back to kids who can't play because of illness."

The Chargers are in their first year playing in the Pop Warner youth football league. They have seven teams in the program, with boys ages 5 to 15.

In September, the Chargers hosted nursing home residents and other senior citizens in the area to join them at their homecoming game.

"We want a travel program different than others," Milliren said. "One that could teach the kids fundamentals, but also learn what it's like to give back to the community."

Many of the Chargers players already have begun raising money for the hospital.

For Chris Roy's son, Nicholas, that meant doing a few extra chores around the house.

"We want them to realize that there's more to life than just football," Chris Roy said.

"I don't care if you go around and raise a penny or $200," Milliren said. "Just so the kids know they made a difference in someone's life."

Sunday's event will include raffles of items ranging from sports memorabilia to tickets to "The Oprah Winfrey Show," field-goal kicking contests for any child in attendance at halftime and tailgating outside the stadium.

Milliren is hopeful that at least a few families from the hospital come out for the event and that they can raise at least $1,000.

A minimum $1 donation will be collected as entry to the games, with all donations going toward cancer research at the hospital.

"We want the kids (from the hospital) to feel like it's their day," he said. "The hospital is really something that could use the funds."