Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Student-Athletes Stay Active in the Community
12/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
Dec. 13, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana University Athletics' Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) is in the midst of two holiday community service activities. The group raised over $2,300 for the annual Adopt a Family program, and the student-athletes used this money to purchase holiday gifts for three local families (11 total people) in need.
In addition to Adopt a Family, SAAC is also holding a coat drive through the end of this week. SAAC has collected about 25 coats so far, and IU is working in conjunction with Mississippi State University Athletics to deliver the coats to Mississippi residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
According to Academic and SAAC Advisor Mattie White, the student-athletes purchased, wrapped and delivered the gifts this past weekend.
"The student-athletes who helped with shopping and delivering the gifts really had a great time and got to see in person the difference they made in the lives of some very special families," White said. "Each family was extremely grateful for the gifts and enjoyed meeting our student-athletes."
IU senior defensive tackle Russ Richardson said that local families are not the only ones who benefit from this program.
"When we went shopping the other day, it simply reminded me of how much God has blessed me," Richardson said. "Here I am at one of the best universities in the world on a football scholarship with great friends and a loving family, yet I still have time to complain about petty things even when there are people out there who would give anything to be where I am today. I truly feel blessed, and this is the least I could do to help the community that has given so much to me."
 Richardson helped SAAC out with the Adopt a Family program.  |
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Hoosier women's cross country and track and field athlete Jessica Gall said that the Adopt a Family program is definitely a collective effort.
"Adopt a Family is a wonderful way for student-athletes to be able to give back to the community," Gall said. "All of the student-athletes, coaches and administrators that gave money were very generous, and there was a core group of student-athletes that gave generously of their time and talents and who the whole IU community should be proud of for their hard work. I am very lucky to be surrounded by such special people here at IU Athletics who are generous with their time and talents, and I am so happy we had this opportunity to give local families a happier holiday than they otherwise would have had."
