In addition to supporting the Misericordia University football and basketball programs and preparing for the 2018 College National Cheerleading Championships, the MU cheerleading program has had a strong presence on campus and in the surrounding community.

The team participated in 10 community service events and organized three of its service projects throughout the fall semester.

The program started the year by fundraising to purchase items for campus ministry's annual 'Stuff the Bus' event.  Team members shopped for school supplies and packed book bags for local elementary students in need.  Cheerleaders also participated is the annual flag carry on campus in remembrance of 9/11.

The team organized its second annual 'Give a Glove to Those in Need' campaign during October and November.  Under the leadership of senior captain Morgan Palmer, the team collected 197 hats, gloves, scarves and jackets that were distributed to the local St. Vincent DePaul's Soup Kitchen and Ruth's Place. 

The team also contributed to the cereal drive on campus and supported the MU Alumni group's SOCK-tober event by donating more than 50 pairs of socks to their drive. 

The team raised funds for the American Cancer Society throughout October and made a $677 as a result of the month-long 'Go Pink' campaign. 

In November, MU cheerleaders celebrated the giving season by adopting five families from the community.  Organized by captain Samantha Miller, the Cougars shopped for the families' Thanksgiving feasts and delivered the dinners to their homes.  The adoption of five families was made possible by MU fans who participated in 50/50 game-day raffles and by a generous donation from the Dallas Masonic Blue Lodge.  The funds raised also assisted the team in serving as angels for three individuals during the Christmas season. 

 

The program experienced its best results with its annual Charity Cup Challenge.  Organized this season by senior Cori Aull, and assisted by junior captain Kristin Robinson, the event brought in more than 4,000 non-perishable items for two local food pantries.  

In December, team members assisted Trucksville Early Childhood Education Center with a school fundraiser by reading stories, coloring and playing games with the toddlers in attendance.

 The team ended the semester by organizing and carrying out activities for children during Hillside Farms' Christmas in the Barn event.  Hillside is a community-based non-profit farm that opens up their barn for Santa to greet guests for three nights during the Christmas season.  MU cheerleaders helped Santa receive visitors and helped small guests create puppets, ornaments and reindeer food for the holiday season.