Huskie Hooptime bracelets made of red silicone have been sold around campus all year as part of the ‘Hoops 4 Troops’ program – but they are quickly dwindling in supply.

The Men’s basketball program began selling the bracelets for $1 each in November and all of the proceeds have gone to the Illinois Military Family Relief Trust Fund.

“I think it’s a good thing that we support the troops; almost everyone knows at least one person in the military right now,” said Sylinda Gordon, a senior English major. “Two of my friends just bought the bracelets.”

Students working with the men’s and women’s basketball programs raised $3,000 dollars selling red bracelets with the phrase “Huskie Hooptime” on them at home games and on campus. An anonymous NIU alum supplemented the donation with a gift of $10,000 dollars.

Bracelets will be sold from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ticket booth in the Holmes Student Center until supplies run out.

“I think it’s a great way to give back to our military because of everything they do for us,” said sophomore history major Brian Hockinson. “I’m proud to be part of a school that gives back to our military.”

Governor Blagojevich signed the bill to enact the Illinois Military Family Relief Trust Fund on Feb. 3, 2003. It was the first bill he signed as Governor of Illinois.

Families of military service people who have been active since September 11 can receive benefits from the fund by filing an application with the department of military affairs. Once approved, they can receive one of three grants; status based for families of National Guard or reservists, needs based for families of servicepeople with dependents and casualty based for families of servicepeople who have been injured during active duty.

Since the fund was enacted, it has benefited 4,300 families in the state of Illinois. As a result of its success, eight other states will be enacting similar funds. Information on the fund, how to apply, or how to make a direct donation can be found at www.operationhomefront.org.

“I’ve talked to service members who are shipping out and their number one concern is to make sure their families are taken care of,” said Eric Schuller, senior policy advisor for Lt. Governor Pat Quinn’s office.

Schuller accepted the $13,000 dollar check during the halftime presentation of the Huskies’ victorious game against Eastern Michigan on Jan. 22. An additional 862 of the red Huskie Hooptime bracelets were sold in the crowd and at tables in the Convocation Center’s entry area that evening.

“It’s excellent,” Schuller said of the ‘Hoops 4 Troops’ program. “It goes to show how people can band together and make a major difference.”