WESTFIELD, Mass. –   For the 20^th year, Westfield State University's Student Athlete Advisory Committee adopted families in the city of Westfield to support with Christmas gifts for children.

This year the Owls 20 varsity teams 'adopted' 30 families across seven Westfield schools.  The student-athletes raised funds among their teammates, and purchased gifts for their adopted families.

In total, Westfield State student-athletes donated more than $1,700 to assure a happy holiday for 30 families.

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from each Owls' varsity team, and works to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image.  Among many roles, the committee helps build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams, and helps organize community service efforts.

SAAC partnered with Westfield's Volunteers in Public Schools program to identify families to participate in the Secret Santa program, and the SAAC dropped off gifts to each school on Wednesday, December 17.

Gifts await children from 30 families as part of Westfield State SAAC's Secret Santa program.