Before the winter break, Washington State student-athletes partnered with University of Idaho student-athletes to make Christmas extra special for area children.
The WSU Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) joined the University of Idaho Student Athlete Advisory Committee to sponsor "Christmas for Kids."
"Christmas for Kids is an opportunity for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees' of the Palouse to give back to a community that gives us so much," WSU SAAC Vice-President Kelsie Taylor, a senior track and field student-athlete, said when the program was announced.
During the month of November, student-athletes collected donations at home football, volleyball and basketball events (pictured above and below):
In all, $2,352 was raised. The funds were directed to purchasing gifts from lists the student-athletes received from families in need within the Pullman-Moscow area.
After the gifts were purchased, they were wrapped and then hand-delivered directly to the families.
SAAC had a fun time wrapping presents for Christmas for Kids last night! pic.twitter.com/5GCTN22HNq
— WSU SAAC (@WSUSAAC1) December 8, 2015
"All members of the SAAC were involved in raising the money and wrapping the gifts and we were lucky enough to be invited to personally deliver gifts to the families," said Taylor.
"We supported 16 kids from six families," added Taylor. "It was such a rewarding experience and we would like to thank the University of Idaho Student Athlete Advisory Committee for inviting us to take part in this. The Student Athlete Advisory Committees of the Palouse are so thankful for this opportunity to give back to the communities who give such much to us."
This was not the only community activity the WSU SAAC and Cougar student-athletes were involved in during the holiday season. A visit to the Pullman Senior Center and the annual Butch's Bash Holiday Celebration also highlighted the student-athletes' interaction with the Pullman community during the month of December.
Go Cougs!
Jason Krump, WSU Athletics
About the SAAC:
The purpose of SAAC is to provide communication between student-athletes and administration, raising the awareness of important topics including administrative policy and decisions, NCAA legislation, compliance, student-athlete welfare and community service opportunities. SAAC members strive to strengthen the relationship between student-athletes, athletic administration and the university. Each member is provided with a supportive open-forum atmosphere to voice student-athlete and team concerns. SAAC provides opportunities of leadership within athletic teams and facilitates cooperation between student-athletes, the athletic administration and the community to enhance the overall student-athlete experience at Washington State University.