Broncettes Give Back Through Christmas Charity

A former Broncette has a very special history that has sparked a wonderful story of charity and holiday spirit among the team.

Taylor Bertolotti of South Barrington seems like any other Barrington teenager, but she didn’t start out that way. Bertolotti was adopted as a baby from a poverty stricken orphanage in Mexico. Six years ago, her mom decided to do something to help the children in the orphanage and suggested the Broncettes team all pitch in to help.

“What the girls do is purchase backpacks and fill them with Christmas presents. The orphanage is very poor and the girls in the orphanage get no other Christmas presents other than the ones these girls have packed up for them,” Barrington Broncette parent Julie Hunter said.

This year, the team has filled 33 backpacks with gifts, clothing, school supplies and other goodies to send those in need.  The girls work hard doing extra chores around the house and asking friends and neighbors for donations to make this charity a reality.

Each team member is paired up with a girl from the orphanage. They are given their buddy's photo and information about them so a bag can be made to suit their needs. 

"The girls basically get together and show off the items they got their girl. Then they itemize all of their gifts and they write a letter to their sponsored kids. Many of them wrote them in Spanish," Hunter said. 

Hunter, who has one daughter currently on the team, and an older daughter who used to be a member, said this event helps the girls understand the importance of volunteering and charity.

“I think our children get pretty much everything they need plus more. I like to see my girls who in and select things for somebody who is much less fortunate,” Hunter said.