Men's basketball team to remember former ETSU student during North Florida game

JOHNSON CITY (Nov. 24, 2009) - The holiday spirit is alive and well at ETSU, as the Buccaneer men's basketball team and the entire ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will honor the memory of a former student and help bring joy to area children with a special toy drive during the Bucs' game with North Florida Sunday afternoon, Nov. 29 inside Memorial Center.

The event will honor the memory of the late Johnia Berry, a student at ETSU who tragically lost her life. Collection points for the 2009 Johnia Berry Memorial Toy Drive will be available throughout the concourses and inside the Dome, so fans can simply come to the game and drop off their toys. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

All donations will go to children in the Johnson City area, and ETSU will proudly deliver the toys in Berry's name. 

"ETSU athletics is happy to help out such a great cause," said Sara Hacker, ETSU's athletic marketing and promotions coordinator. "To help children in need throughout the holidays is a great gift to give the community." 

Donations as part of the Johnia Berry Toy Drive can also be made at local Food City stores throughout the Christmas season.

For more information, contact Sarah Hacker at (423) 439-5283 or visit www.JohniaBerry.org