Casey’s General Store is offering people a chance to win an autographed NIU game ball by donating $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

During October, Casey’s General Store raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but the DeKalb Casey’s General Store, 1001 N. Annie Glidden Road, thought it could raise more money if it offered an autographed game ball, said store manager Donnie Jones.

“I thought it would be a good way to raise money, since a lot of people in town are real supportive of the college,” Jones said.

People can enter to win the game ball, which Jones said is going to be autographed by players from the NIU football team, by going to Casey’s General Store donating $1. After they donate, they receive a receipt to write down their name and phone number to be put into container for the drawing. On Nov. 1, Jones will hold a drawing to pick the winner of the football.

“Right now, we have collected $2,800,” Jones said. “But the football has only brought in $100 so far.”

The football was donated to Jones by NIU Athletics, and Jones said Thursday afternoon he did not have the football yet, but expected it to arrive that day.

“NIU Athletics has simply made a donation like any other entity or business in the city,” said Donna Turner, associate athletic director for NIU Communications. “Almost every day, NIU Athletics is asked to donate items to different causes throughout the city and throughout the nation. We get requests from schools and charities and many, many other groups.”