Number of Participants: 5
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $174
Event Type: Veterans & Military Families
Activity: Softball
School: Byron High School
Date: November 26, 2025
Location:
Byron High School
2nd Avenue Northwest, Byron
MN
About:
Members of the Byron Bears softball team recently made a meaningful impact in their community by volunteering alongside the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office to ring bells for the Salvation Army’s holiday fundraising campaign.
The opportunity came together through a unique connection between the two groups. One of the team’s coaches, who has been employed by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office since 2018 and has been involved with Byron Varsity Softball since 2021, recognized an opportunity to combine the shared commitment of both organizations to community service. When an open volunteer time slot became available at the Hy-Vee in Rochester, the idea quickly turned into action.
Despite the effort during Thanksgiving break and the short notice, student-athletes enthusiastically stepped forward to help. Five players attended and rang bells during the one-hour shift, while many more expressed interest but were unable to participate due to prior commitments.
Throughout the experience, the Byron players engaged warmly with shoppers, helping raise awareness and support for families in need during the holiday season. Their positive energy and willingness to serve left a lasting impression, with many expressing interest in making bell ringing an annual team tradition.
Initiatives like this reflect the strong character and leadership demonstrated by Byron student-athletes. By giving their time to support local charitable efforts, the Bears continue to show how athletics can serve as a powerful platform for compassion, responsibility, and meaningful community engagement. Coaches shared how proud they are of the team’s dedication to giving back to the community that supports their success both on and off the field.
