KU's Student Athlete Advisory Committee Adopts 27 Children for the Holidays
Dec. 5, 2008
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Jayhawk Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) celebrated the holiday season by raising more than $1000 in donations from their teammates and adopting 27 children through the Haskell Indian Nations University “Adopt a Haskell Rascal” Project 2008.
SAAC representatives from each team collected donations from their teammates, shopped for the presents on the children’s wish list and then wrapped the presents in time for the “Adopt a Haskell Rascal” holiday party on December 8th.
The project provides gifts to the children of student parents who are financially unable to provide presents due to the financial constraints of being a full-time student or working part-time and going to school. Gifts ranged from bikes, books, and DVDs to clothes and a basketball goal.
“I just love this time of year and the Jayhawks’ generosity means a lot to the parents and to the children,” said Sherry Girty, an employee in the Counseling Center at Haskell Indian Nations University who leads the “Adopt a Haskell Rascal” effort. “The way the KU student-athletes pulled together to make the holiday better for our kids truly captures the spirit of the season.”
The student-athletes enjoy the opportunity to participate.
“I believe it’s really important for all of us to get involved, because we are so fortunate ourselves,” said Monica Dolinsky, a junior on the KU Soccer team. “With us coming together as a Jayhawk family for this great cause, it provides the kids an opportunity they would other have had.”
Darrell Stuckey, a junior football player, added, “Our team enjoys the opportunity to help our neighbors within the Lawrence community any chance we get. We are excited to hear how much the kids enjoy their gifts.”
SAAC is a committee comprised of student-athlete representatives from all KU Athletic teams. The purpose of SAAC is to provide student-athletes the opportunity to communicate more effectively with University of Kansas athletic administration, coaches, and staff. It enables student-athletes to provide recommendations for the improvement of academic, athletic and social experiences. The committee encourages unity, common purpose and camaraderie between teams and among all student-athletes. It also encourages community involvement through service projects and fundraisers.
