SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) got in the holiday spirit this past weekend, shopping for special kids in the Monterey County area.The student-athletes worked alongside the CSUMB Human Resources Department and their partnership with the Monterey County Special Kids Crusade.
 
CSUMB's Human Resources Department is using its annual “giving tree” to support the Special Kids Crusade, an organization that was founded by parents of developmentally disabled children in 2006.  The program strives in developing quality regional resources, raising awareness in the community and provides much needed support for the children and their families.
 
After picking four names from the tree in the Human Resources office, the SAAC representatives went back to their teams and collected almost 150 dollars.  The student-athletes then hit the toy section at Target with one goal in mind; find gifts that would bring a smile to each of the young child's face.
 
The gifts ranged from racetracks that were two feet tall to a doll with many clothes and accessories. SAAC co-presidents Dylan Jackson and Jessica Fontenette along with secretary Molly Kennedy and treasurer Lily Staight wrapped the gifts the following day.
 
“It was great for SAAC to be involved with giving during the holidays,” said Jackson. “We are all fortunate to be student-athletes and this is one of the many ways we can help others around us.  We also had fun shopping for gifts for the children as it brought some of us back to our childhood days, knowing how excited these kids were going to be.”
 
The Human Resources “giving tree” program began over 10 years ago.  They partner up with a different local organization each year.