The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee [SAAC] worked to make the holiday season a little brighter for many local children by hosting a Toys 4 Girls and Boys toy drive. The group was able to collect more than 150 toys for area youth.

“The Toys 4 Girls and Boys toy drive was a huge success,” Patrick Manifold, SAAC President, said. “Our goal was to get 100 toys but we ended up getting over 150 toys. We are very thankful for all the kind donations from UMPI student-athletes, coaches, students and members of staff, and we are so pleased that we will be able to put smiles on the faces of so many children this Christmas.”

Manifold said the idea for the toy drive was conceived during a recent SAAC meeting as a way for the group to show its support and commitment to the community. The group collected toys through mid-December. All donated toys are being given to underprivileged children and their families in Presque Isle and the surrounding areas.

“We decided to try and spread the joy as far as we could by donating to a few different local worthy organizations that include the Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter and Transitional Homes in Presque Isle, and the Hope and Justice Project and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, also in Presque Isle,” Manifold said. “All of them are involved with underprivileged children in the local area and were extremely grateful for our contribution.”