ITHACA, N.Y. – During this holiday season, Ithaca College student-athletes and coaches helped out in the community by partnering with Cornell University and the Elves Program to provide basic needs to children in the Ithaca area. Those who participated in the philanthropic initiative donated funds or sponsored a child by providing them with toys, books or games, etc.

From the Elves Program website: "The Elves Program is a non-denominational group of volunteers that was founded to benefit children in need in Tompkins Country and the surrounding area. Starting with one elementary school and a few students in 1989, The Elves new assist at least 1,000 students each year in more than 30 area schools. Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, the program provides clothing, toys, school supplies and warm blankets to kids who are identified by school personnel as being in the greatest need. There is absolutely not overhead cost. Caring people from across the Cornell community and beyond are encouraged to participate. Anyone can become an Elf, individuals as well as families, office groups, and community organizations."

"When I presented the idea to our student-athletes they jumped at the chance to participate. One of the great things about Athletics and being a part of the Bomber family is that you get the opportunity to be a part of something, and make a difference, in a way that is so much bigger than anything you could do on your own. The team was proud to be active in helping our local community this holiday."

-Mindy Quigg, Women's Soccer Head Coach

"Our boys happily rallied around the opportunity to support the Elves Program. The donations came in quick and the shopping was a blast. It was an honor and a privilege to help bring some joy to a deserving child this holiday season."

-Jeff Long, Men's Lacrosse Head Coach

"This holiday season WICSD wanted to spread joy and do what we can to make a difference in someone's life. Considering everything happening around us, this is especially a time to give and to take a step back and focus on the little things"

-Morgan Hoffman-Smith '21, Women's Swimming & Diving

"Our team participated because we wanted to help a child in our community have something exciting to wake up to on Christmas morning. It also gave us a way to do something good for the community as a team even though we aren't all physically together right now."

- Abbi Field '21, Women's Basketball

"On behalf of Ithaca College Baseball, we were excited to be a part of the Elves program during the holidays this year. It is important to us as a team to be able to give back and support our community in any way we can. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday!"

-David Valesente, Baseball Head Coach

"The field hockey team was inclined to be involved with the Elves Program for many reasons! Within our team, we believe it is so important to give back to the Ithaca community that supports us beyond measure. Selflessness is one of our teams' core values so this program was the perfect way to demonstrate being selfless by helping others in need."

- Victoria Sestito '22, Field Hockey

"I am so proud of our student athlete advisory council (SAAC) for their involvement in The Elves Program. When our SAAC Co-Chairs, Victoria Sestito and Warren Watson II brought this idea up to our student athletes in our November meeting, our student-athletes rose to the occasion and 15 of our programs were involved. Our teams chose to either donate funds to the Elves Program or sponsor a child directly. The dedication of our student athletes to bring holiday cheer to those in need is inspiring!"

- Kaitlyn Wahila, Field Hockey Head Coach