By Mandy McFarland Editor
NAPPANEE — Two weeks ago, the Family Christian Development Center (FCDC) in Nappanee received an unexpected donation.
Touched by the stories they heard of the Oct. 18 tornado, the Notre Dame hockey team decided to gather non-perishable items to donate to the center in hopes of making a small difference in a small community so close to home.
"We knew with the problem right in our back yard, there must be something we could do," Dan VeNard, senior defenseman, said. VeNard is also the president of the student council advisory board for Notre Dame athletics and a team captain.

According to VeNard, one of the secretaries for the team, Sue Halasz of Lakeville, told the team what had happened. They decided it was time for a little action off the rink.
"She passed (the information) on to me and (the team) got together and went shopping," VeNard said.
The team called a 1-800 number and were directed to a Web site that contained information and a list of needed supplies. After the shopping trip, one of the coaches packed up the supplies and took them to the FCDC. This was in lieu of the entire team going, as they had originally planned to do.
"It would have been difficult with our schedules," VeNard said.
FCDC director Joan Andrews was pleased to receive the supplies.
"The Notre Dame hockey team office called and said that the boys wanted so badly to come help with the cleanup on Sunday (Oct. 20)," Andrews said.
However, due to the possibility of injury, the boys were unable to come.
"So they decided to raise money and brought in power drinks and food," Andrews said.
Andrews has been impressed with the number of people who have come to the FCDC to help support tornado victims.
"It's been really a wonderful thing to see," she said.
With the large numbers of items brought in during the first days following the tornado, the FCDC asks that donors consider supporting tornado victims financially as well.
"At this point, we are actually asking for monetary donations because we're learning that people have varied needs and we try to put together what their need is."
Andrews cited several situations, including one family whose teenager lost her glasses in the storm. Another instance includes a mother whose babysitter lost her home. The FCDC found a licensed daycare center that will allow the mother to pay what she was paying her sitter while the FCDC makes up for the difference. However, according to Andrews, all of this takes funds.
Those who would like more information about donating to the FCDC for tornado victims can call 773-2149.