Red Oak cheerleader raising money for London trip

 RED OAK — For the second straight year, a Red Oak High School cheerleader has a chance to go to London to go as part of being an all-American squad.

Sydney Straw was selected as an all-American by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), allowing her go to London over the December holiday break and participate in the London New Year’s Day Parade as part of the Varsity Cheer Tour.

She’s the second consecutive cheerleader to be chosen after former teammate Sabrina Guerra went last year.

As part of the effort, Straw is raising money for the trip. She has set a goal of raising $4,000, which she’ll need by November.

“I’m just trying to set a high goal to make sure I can cover everything all the other cheerleaders are going to do,” Straw said.

Straw has held a couple of fundraisers, including a garage sale and a taco dinner, the latter was set up by Guerra and her family.

Straw has received a lot of help from Guerra, including giving her ideas on what to bring and pack.

“They’re doing a ton of help, not only the taco dinner, but they’ve helped with everything,” Straw said.

Between those two, which took place over the last month, Straw has raised around $2,000. 

Straw has to pay in installments. The entire trip will cost $3,400, not including personal money for food and etc.

Straw has another garage sale planned, this one will take place Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. at 1004 E. Corning St. in Red Oak. 

“People have been asking us again to have another garage sale,” Straw said. “We’ve been hearing a lot of that.”

A small bake sale will also be included in the garage sale.

Straw is also accepting freewill donations, which can be mailed to 1004 E. Corning St.