The Valparaiso men’s soccer program raised about $1,800 at its second annual charity game against Milwaukee on Sept. 24 and also collected six boxes worth of athletic equipment to donate to the children’s charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), for their work in Haiti and St. Lucia.

The Crusaders became involved with TOCO early in the 2008 season when they donated some used soccer equipment, and the partnership has grown over the last two years.  TOCO’s founder, St. Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes, was the team’s guest, along with his wife, for last Friday’s game and also took part in a number of events on campus during the day.

“We had a wonderful night last Friday as we hosted Milwaukee in our annual TOCO benefit game,” said Crusader head coach Mike Avery.  “It was a thrill to have TOCO founder Taj Weekes and his wife Angela on campus as our special guests, and we are even more excited to be sending them a check for almost $2,000 as a result of the generosity of our crowd.  Beyond the monetary donation, we have also put together six large boxes of used soccer equipment and running shoes that will be sent through TOCO to St. Lucia and to Haiti.  It is rewarding for the people in our program to help Taj and TOCO make a difference in the world, and we look forward to next year and to hosting TOCO once again.”

Fans who wish to donate to TOCO throughout the season can contact Crusader men’s soccer assistant coach Jeff Oleck for information on how to donate.  To find out more about TOCO’s mission and its work, visit http://www.theyoftencryoutreach.org.