Charlo football and volleyball players helped raise $1,500 this

fall to enable individuals to receive free mammograms.

Charlo football and volleyball players helped raise $1,500 this fall to enable individuals to receive free mammograms.

The athletes held bake sales, as well as asked for pledges and donations, to raise money for St. Luke Community Hospital. The money allows uninsured men and women in Lake County, ages 40 or older with no previous implants to come in and receive a free mammogram.

"We celebrate these kids," executive director Gayle Wilhelm said. "It's such a nice, thoughtful gesture."

So far in 2011, St. Luke has given out 65 free mammograms, though Wilhelm noted that this offer runs year-round, rather than just in October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Last year, Charlo athletes raised $850 for the cause. This year, with a better idea of how to approach the fundraiser, they were able to team up with Cheerful Hearts to nearly double the donation.

"We like the idea of giving back to the community," senior Dawn Blevins said. "They've given a lot to us."