BENNINGTON, Vt. – For the third straight year, the Southern Vermont College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) completed a successful toy drive during the holiday season to provide gifts to BROC – Community Action in Southwestern Vermont.

The SAAC collected about 30 toys over the last few weeks before delivering all the donations to BROC on Friday. The group, comprised of representatives from each of SVC’s varsity athletic teams, was also significantly assisted in the effort by the College’s Mountaineer Events Board (MEB).

“I think the toy drive went great,” commented SVC junior R.J. Henle (Plantation, Fla.), a right-handed pitcher on the Mountaineers’ baseball team and SAAC rep at the conference level. “Anytime you can contribute anything to others, especially around the holidays, is a great feeling. Dropping off the toys to BROC definitely felt amazing.”

All items submitted to BROC will be distributed to area families that are in need. As described on its website, ‘BROC - Community Action in Southwestern Vermont is committed to empower, support and educate individuals and families to be self-sufficient in their employment, homes and communities through family stabilization and development; education, training and job creation; affordable housing; and expanding community awareness and advocacy in a nurturing environment of respect and dignity ever mindful of cultural diversity.’

“I think it’s incredible that the SAAC did this again and was able to give back,” continued Henle. “[SVC Assistant Dean of Students] Mike Goodwin and the MEB provided a lot of help for us, too, so they deserve a lot of credit. This drive is definitely something that makes you and the people around you feel good.”

The SAAC is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.