Dec. 20, 2004

Adelphi University student-athletes will help make Christmas wishes come true for families in need as part of the United Postal Service and Operation Dear Santa.

This marks the first year SAAC has participated in the program. SAAC members went to the Garden City post office to collect letters addressed to Santa. Then they try and fulfill the wishes of families in need. Items requested range from food, clothes and socks to toys, sneakers and winter coats.

The letters are answered anonymously, but sophomore softball player Christina Semey feels as if she has come to know each family personally after reading their letters. "This is one of teh biggest charity events I have ever been involved in and it is much bigger than me," Semey said. "There are people out there who have nothing. While it feels rewarding to help, I know there are so many other [families] we couldn't reach."