The College of Wooster's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) continues to make a big impact surrounding the holidays, as the student group once again partnered with Wayne County's Department of Job and Family Services to adopt local families in need. This year, the Fighting Scots adopted 14 families, the highest number in the three years the student organization has partnered with the government organization.
Late in the fall semester, each team's SAAC representatives collected donations from within their team. Then, students shopped, wrapped, and dropped off gifts in the athletic training room. Recently, volunteers from Social Services came to pick up the gifts and drop them off at the families' homes.
"As student-athletes, a lot of our support comes from the community around us," shared senior Gabby Lakes, a softball team representative on SAAC. "Adopting families in need gives SAAC and all the student-athletes a unique opportunity to show the community that we care about them and want to support them, just as much as they do for us."
"Being able to give back to the Wooster community and pay it forward is a really special opportunity," added sophomore Shane Epstein-Petrullo, a men's lacrosse representative on SAAC. "We were all able to contribute and help a good cause. We can't wait for those smiles over the holidays."
This year, SAAC raised almost $4,000 and was also able to purchase gift cards from local businesses, fast food restaurants, and grocery stores. Those were given to Wooster Child and Family Services to distribute to additional local families in needs. All 23 varsity teams participated, and in three years, the Scots have raised nearly $9,000 for this initiative.
About SAAC
SAAC is a student-driven organization on campus which looks to promote campus-wide pride and unity for Wooster athletics, provide opportunities for student-athletes to reach out and serve the community, and provide all members of the Wooster campus with opportunities to learn how to function in a team environment and develop the leadership skills necessary to succeed beyond college via meetings and events sponsored by SAAC. Other community service projects Wooster's SAAC has been involved with recently include the community's "Night to Shine" prom for special needs youth and teens, various fundraisers surrounding NCAA Div. III Week, and a youth day in conjunction with a basketball game. Wooster's SAAC is hosting the Special Olympics of Northeast Ohio Regional Basketball Tournament January 28-30. Those wishing to learn more should connect with a SAAC officer or a team representative.