This is the fifth installment of WAC SAAC Gives Back, which highlights the community service efforts and activities of the Student-Athlete Advisory Councils at each of the nine WAC schools.
Among the initiatives the Chicago State SAAC has been involved in this school year are:
Toys for Krocs: The Chicago State SAAC sponsored a toy drive and reached out to those on campus and beyond, receiving monetary and toy donations from various offices on campus and fans at home basketball contests. CSU Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs was also gracious enough to have a full box of toys awaiting student-athlete pick-up on the final collection day. Chicago State SAAC delivered the donated items to the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corp Community Center.
Kroc Center Co-Administrator Major Darlene Harvey was grateful for the effort of Chicago State's student-athletes. "We are so thankful for Chicago State University and their athletic department for collecting toys and raising awareness for the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corp Community Center," Harvey said. "It is wonderful to see students not only take leadership on the court and in athletics, but also in their communities. The toys that have been collected will go to serve over 350 families who have applied for Christmas Assistance through the Kroc Center. Through Chicago State University's efforts, children will have smiles on their faces on Christmas and their families' lives will be enriched. Thank you, Chicago State University! We look forward to seeing how we can partner together to make our community a better place."
SAAC Halloween Party: Chicago State SAAC hosted the inaugural SAAC Halloween Party at the Jacoby Dickens Center on Chicago State's campus. Kindergarten through fifth grade students and their families from nearby Burnside Scholastic Academy were invited to a Halloween party with games, crafts and candy organized. The goal of the event was to provide a safe, family friendly Halloween event for local children. Each Chicago State team was responsible for creating and running a game for the kids. Games included Pin the Tail on the Witch and Mummy Bowling.
WAC SAAC Meeting: The Chicago State SAAC representatives also got a lot out of the in-person meeting in Denver last summer. Watch that video here.