The York College Student Athlete Advisory Committee held their annual "Christmas with the Community" event this past Saturday at the Grumbacher Sport & Fitness Center.

In conjunction with the athletic department, SAAC brought in local families from Access York and provided them with an early Christmas.

"This is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to give back to this community," Assistant Athletic Trainer and SAAC advisor Allison Kunkel said. "To be able to help someone else, especially at this time of year, is very satisfying."

Each of the 20 York College varsity teams, in addition to the cheerleading squad, are involved in the event, purchasing gifts for the families and participating in relay races for additional prizes.

"This event is so much fun and the kids seem to really be into it," Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation Sean Sullivan said. "They understand that they are in a position where they can help other people. They do that and have a good time with it as well."

This is the seventh year of York's "Christmas with the Community," with the event gaining momentum each year.

"This event has definitely grown in the last five years that I have been here," Kunkel said. "We will continue to try to make improvements and make it a great event every year for both the families and the student-athletes."