SAAC Leads Effort In Adopt A Family Project For Christmas

PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Providence College Athletics, led by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) joined forces with the DaVinci Center for the fourth straight year, a non-profit organization located in Providence, R.I. to provide Christmas gifts to local families.

The Adopt a Family Project is a program set in place by the DaVinci Center, to improve the quality of life for the residents in the North End of Providence. The families work with the center throughout the year in a variety of ways. This specific program matches donors with children in need to provide gifts of clothing and toys for Christmas.

"Friartown is a family, but not just on campus. The Friar family community extends its arms far beyond the corners of campus and into the greater Providence community. This Holiday season, SAAC, with the help of all student-athletes, coaches, and staff, had the great pleasure of working with the local DaVinci Center, where we delivered over 350 Christmas gifts to children and families in need in our area. This initiative means so much to us as there is no greater joy for us than bringing a smile to a child's face or brightening a family's home during the most wonderful time of the year. We are so grateful to the Davinci Center for all of their hard work and dedication and for allowing us to be a part of their amazing team. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and may God bless you all! Go Friars!" (Brenna Cavallaro '23 SAAC Executive Board member and field hockey student-athlete)

All 19 varsity athletic sports teams at Providence College along with Athletic Departments Coaches & Staff were assigned a group of children to help provide for. This year, over 350 gifts were delivered to the center for 131 children from 38 local families.
Executive Director, John DeLuca, continues to express his gratitude for the joy this program brings every year.

"Once again Providence College rose to the occasion in accommodating 131 youngsters from 38 families on the periphery of Providence College campus with various toys and gifts for Christmas. This year was a special challenge because of conditions caused by Covid-19, but like seasoned athletes, they made adjustments and figured out a methodology on how to purchase gifts virtually from out of state and get them delivered to the right kids. What an accomplishment coordinated by Jennifer Cunningham and her amazing team of students and staff who achieved the almost impossible feat. In some cases, these gifts are the only gifts that youngsters in needy families would be receiving for Christmas. Our neighborhood is blessed by the presence of such a caring institution as Providence College which nurtures high standards and values such as the altruism which manifested itself in this worthy and meaningful effort. Hopefully these values instilled in the student body by this project will stay with them in life and will bring them a true feeling of fulfillment and happiness by giving. Thank you for assisting our agency in caring for the good families of our area who face challenges in life."

- GO FRIARS -

Providence College Athletics

SAAC Leads Effort In Adopt A Family Project For Christmas

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