February is right around the corner, and the festivities of Christmas and New Year's Day have been wrapped up for the season. Local schools are back in session, and working adults have made the post-holiday transition back to their standard routines. For the players on the girls' lacrosse team at Hempfield High School, this time of the year signals it is time for two things: gearing up for the start of the season and busting out the bingo cards.

The booster club for the girls' lacrosse team will host its annual bingo fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 25, in the cafeteria located in Hempfield High School, 200 Stanley Ave., Landisville. Doors will open at 11 a.m., and the games will commence at 1 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase online at a discounted price, but they will also be sold at the door.

The fundraiser will include door prizes and drawings for items such as designer handbags, gift cards, Yeti brand goods and various gift baskets. The winning prize of an additional drawing will be split equally; the winner will receive one half, while the other half will benefit the lacrosse team. Food and drinks will be available to purchase in the cafeteria.

The booster club has organized the annual bingo event for several years, but it introduced a new theme in 2023 that primarily features designer handbags and gift cards as prizes. It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the girls' lacrosse team, and the players are always actively involved in setting it up. The girls traditionally assist the booster club with various aspects of the fundraiser, such as selling tickets and spreading the word. "I think its important for girls to have a hand in raising money to benefit the team," said Lisa Rodenberger, who is the parent of a player on the team and a member of the booster club. "The girls are always eager to be a part of it, and it's a fun day for everyone involved."

The proceeds from the event will assist the team with the costs of offseason training, new equipment and team bonding activities. As the start of the season quickly approaches, team members are preparing themselves with regular strength and conditioning training, as well as competing in games through a winter league on Sundays.

"There is a heavy team aspect, even off the field. (The bingo fundraiser) helps the girls build leadership skills, and it brings the larger community into the school," Rodenberger said. "The proceeds help to take a lot of financial pressure off of the players and their parents as well."

To purchase a ticket for bingo, visit http://tinyurl.com/hhsdesignerbingo24.