The 2004 SoccerLoop.com Holiday Season Charity List

December 13, 2004

In the blink of an eye, the 2004 season has rocketed by with the speed of a Jason Kreis free-kick from 25 yards out. It was great year for Major League Soccer and the sport in the United States. As we lead into the holidays and the New Year it's a great time to focus our thoughts on giving and generosity. Many soccer charities and organizations have been developed over the years for various causes and support. Though the cause may be different, each charity and organization shares a similar philosophy and that is to give back to the community or the needed by way of the sport of soccer.

These charities and organizations have worked tremendously hard over the years and have brought a considerable amount of support to their causes. Take some time during this holiday season to consider supporting one of them. Your favorite MLS club or even your favorite player may directly organize some of them. Some may support causes that have affected you or someone close to you in your personal life. Soccer has been great to all of us over the years, so find it in your heart this holiday season to give back.

Below is a list of some charities, and there are many more, to consider. You'll find info and links to each of their websites. Have a very great Holiday Season and a Happy New Year to all!

Washington D.C. United

United for DC: To serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance the educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged. http://www.unitedfordc.org/ufordc/

FC Dallas

The FC DALLAS organization contributes to the Autism Treatment Center. They also just recently donated thousands of items to a variety of charities including the Ronald McDonald House, Cook's Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth, the Cottrell House, TJ Rusk Middle School, Samaritan Inn, Union Gospel Mission, and the Austin Street Centre.

Just Jolley

Steve Jolley organized his own charitable foundation, "Just Jolley", which supports America Scores- a soccer and writing program in urban cities throughout the country. With the America SCORES program, Steve has helped set up and run a cleat drive in order to provide the kids of the program with the equipment necessary to play soccer.

John C. Talley Memorial Soccer Game

Carey Talley runs a memorial soccer game for his father who died of brain cancer. He invites several players from around the league to play in a celebrity soccer match and all the proceeds go to the John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund and the Lebonheur Children's Medical Hospital. Contact FC Dallas for further information.

MetroStars

The MetroStars support various organizations, such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, Special Olympics, American Cancer Society, and Starlight Children's Foundation. Contact the MetroStars for further information.

The Eddie Pope Foundation

It's mission: To use soccer to help develop the mind, body, and spirit of underserved youth. It's goals:

the development of comprehensive soccer programs in urban/inner city communities that emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork
The development and reinforcement of positive relationships
The development of constructive programs during out of school hours
The development of educational programs that will promote vital life skills
The development of scholarship programs

http://www.eddiepopefoundation.com/

Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation: The Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation is the 501(c) 3 non-profit organization of the Colorado Rapids. The Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation supports underserved youth by providing assistance for educational and recreational programs. Since 2000, the Community Care Foundation has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cash grants and in-kind donations to the local community. http://www.coloradorapids.com/Community/Foundation.asp

Chris Henderson Foundation

The Chris Henderson Foundation was started to aid underprivileged kids through scholarships and camps. It also benefits kids stricken with Leukemia & Lymphoma. http://www.chrishendersonfoundation.com

Kansas City Wizards

The Wizards partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for a "Jerseys Off Their Back Event." The Wizards organization and players such as Nick Garcia and Kerry Zavagnin work often with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Jimmy Conrad worked last season with the National Sports Center for the Disabled and organized a one-day clinic for area children with disabilities.

Wizards Kicks for Kids Program

The Wizards organization distributes thousands of Kicks for Kids tickets to disadvantage youth. The tickets allow youth from all over the community the opportunity to attend a Major League Soccer game at Arrowhead Stadium. Through the Kicks for Kids program the Wizards host a holiday party for over 400 children from numerous non-profit organizations.

National Soccer Hall of Fame

The National Soccer Hall of Fame has come a long way within the past few years and can always use the support and donations from soccer supporters nation wide. One can assist in many ways, from buying bricks for the _Walk of Fame" or through various fund-raisers related to the Hall of Fame Society. http://www.soccerhall.org/walk_of_fame.htm

Article by: Steven Patton