The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) coordinated two initiatives this holiday season to spread holiday cheer. Beginning in November, SAAC kicked off their Canned Food Drive to help fill the shelves of the Webster University Grab and Go Pantry. During basketball games on November 21 and December 3, SAAC collected 70 individually packaged items for the Grab and Go Pantry.

The giving did not stop there. Over the weeks leading up to finals, SAAC sponsored an Angel Tree through The Salvation Army Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area again this holiday season to provide gifts for children in the St. Louis community. Webster Athletics requested 20 tags to hang on our Christmas tree for teams to choose from. Tags ranged from newborns up to 12-year-olds. All 14 of Webster's sport programs donated toys, along with six individual student-athletes purchasing toys, as well.

The Webster Athletics family was feeling very generous this year. In total, Webster student-athletes donated over $1,400 worth of toys and baby essentials to make this a very happy and bright holiday for children in need. Members of the Athletics Department, along with our fans, general students, and even one of our Cross Country/Track & Field alums also got in the holiday spirit and donated toys and gift cards for the children. Overall, Webster University Athletics donated just under $2,000 in toys, baby essentials and gift cards! This was a 43% increase in giving from 2024!

Finally, during the SAAC Holiday Party, student-athletes had fun making homemade dog and cat toys to donate to APA Brentwood. Staff cleaned out their closets to donate old t-shirts, socks, yarn, and tennis balls. Any supplies not used were donated to the Humane Society of Missouri. All organizations were delighted and thrilled by the generosity of Webster University Athletics.

Kudos to Kate Moleski, SAAC Treasurer/Secretary, who coordinated the Canned Food Drive, Angel Tree and Holiday Party! SAAC will continue to be collect canned goods at  the following basketball games in 2026:
· Saturday, January 24 at 1:00pm and 3:00pm
· Saturday, February 7 at 1:00pm and 3:00pm

About Webster University Grab and Go Food Pantry
Webster's Grab and Go Pantry is an initiative of Professor Anne Geraghty-Rathert, Professor of Legal Studies. It is open to anyone 24/7, including students, faculty and staff. It supports members of the Webster community who are experiencing food insecurity.

About The Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Town Program
About APA Brentwood
About Missouri Human Society