JMU STUDENT-ATHLETES PROVIDE CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR LOCAL KIDS

HARRISONBURG, Va., Dec. 14, 2010 - Student-athletes from several James Madison teams delivered Christmas gifts to a local elementary school on Tuesday as part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's (SAAC) Christmas Tree Wish List.

"It's that time of year where there is a lot of pressure on parents to provide gifts for their children and this is a good way to provide gifts for those who are less fortunate," SAAC president and senior volleyball player Jessica Zeroual (Ottawa, Ont./De La Salle) said. "As a student-athlete, I know there is great importance to give back. It is really rewarding to see the enthusiasm of sports teams here at JMU. There was such great effort and I am so happy to see this project was a success."

The gifts are donated anonymously to children at a local elementary school. SAAC received a list that included the age, sizes and wishes of thirty children which the JMU teams split up to purchase. Most of the JMU athletics community participated in the event with many teams taking responsibility for two or three children.

"The event is special to my teammates and I because it gives us a chance to take part in something to give back to members of the community," senior softball player Heather Widner (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Ready) said. "By partaking in this event, it has given us a chance to really appreciate everything that we have and hopefully provide gifts to help some children have a really good holiday season."

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