KU's Student Athlete Advisory Committee Raises Over $1,500
Dec. 21, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Kansas Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) celebrated the holiday season by raising more than $1,500 and adopting 22 children through the Haskell Indian Nations University “Adopt-an-Angel” Project 2006. 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-an-Angel” holiday party on December 9th.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
The “Adopt-an-Angel” project provides gifts to the children of student parents who are financially unable to provide presents due to financial constraints from being a full time student or working part time and going to school. Gifts ranged from books and clothes to talking toy chairs and stuffed animals. Sherry Girty, who works in the Counseling Center at Haskell Indian Nations University, leads the “Adopt-an-Angel” effort.
“I just love this time of year,” Girty said. “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 enjoyed the opportunity to participate.
“It’s fun going out shopping with the kids’ wish lists in our hands and knowing that what we are doing is going to help out those who are less fortunate,” said Caitlin Mahoney, junior, volleyball. “This is just another effort that shows how student-athletes from all of our teams will join together for a great cause.”
The purpose of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee is:
– To provide student-athletes the opportunity to communicate more effectively with University of Kansas athletic administration, coaches, and staff.
– To empower student-athletes to provide recommendations for the improvement of academic, athletic and social experiences.
– To encourage unity, common purpose and camaraderie between teams and among all student-athletes.
– To encourage community involvement through service projects.
