The Stevenson Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) helped make Christmas special for one local Owings Mills family by participating in the Salvation Army's Adopt-A-Family (AAF) program. SAAC collected donations from the University's athletic teams to purchase presents for the family and then delivered them on Wednesday, December 21.

"For the adopt a family program, SAAC decided it would be best to help a family in our local community rather than give to a large, nationwide organization," said head field hockey coach and SAAC Coordinator Laurel Martin. "Since people were struggling in our own community, we decided to help those in need."

When an Adopt-A-Family match is made, the family information and wish lists are sent to the sponsor. The Salvation Army ensures that the family receives the gifts and food during the week before Christmas.

The idea for SAAC to participate was led by women's soccer freshman Molly Molloy (York, Pa./York Suburban).

"I found the chosen family through the local chapter of Adopt-a-Family, said Molloy. "They gave us a family with a pregnant mother and her other four children. We were given a list of a each family members' interests and a few items that would be on their wish lists."

The student-athletes of each of the current 22 teams at Stevenson were asked to donate at least one dollar by their sports' SAAC representative. The money was then used to buy gifts for the family.

"The family was very appreciative," added Molloy. "I believe we will continue to do the same type of community service next year. It was a great feeling to know that we made Christmas possible for a family that could not have done it themselves."