from alexandria
Bournonville
journal staff writer
MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University athletes are getting into the spirit of generosity by celebrating Giving Week and finding simple ways to give back to their communities.
This week’s event is hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, so there will be donation opportunities at sports facilities and around the event from Dec. 3-9.
“This is just one of the many activities we have put together to not only raise awareness for our student-athletes, but to garner support for the community.” said SAAC member Mia Strazny. “With Christmas coming up, Giving Week is basically collecting toy donations and getting them donated to families in need so they can give children a merry Christmas.”
Donation boxes will be placed around NMU’s PEIF building and Superior Dome.
Three games with donation boxes will be played on Saturday, December 9th. Women’s basketball vs. Saginaw Valley State at 11 a.m., men’s basketball vs. SVSU at 1 p.m. and NMU-Michigan Tech hockey at 6:07 p.m.
At the hockey game, the SAAC also hosts the annual Teddy Beatos. Participants are encouraged to bring a new or gently used teddy bear to the game. There you will be asked to throw all the bears onto the ice at once.
Strazny describes the ideal gift as follows: “Something that younger children would be excited to receive.” There are no restrictions on the types of toys that can be donated.
She also recommends bringing gender-neutral toys. “That applies to a lot of people.”
SAAC operates weekly separately from Toys for Tots, so all donated toys, including teddy bears, can be purchased new or gently used items can be donated.
Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 600. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.