WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth University student-athletes, working with Monmouth's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (MSAAC), came together to raise money and buy gifts for students at Audrey W. Clark School in neighboring Long Branch.
Representatives from each of Monmouth's 23 Division I programs donated gifts and helped deliver the presents to the school on Tuesday afternoon. The Audrey W. Clark School serves low-income students and their families, many who do not get to celebrate the holidays in typical fashion.
"Part of MSAAC's mission is to build strong relationships within the surrounding community and to help others," MSAAC President and men's golf student-athlete
Jimmy Criscione said. "The idea came from
Stephanie Delliturri, who interned with the Audrey W. Clark School. We were excited that we had the opportunity to help families in need, especially in light of the holiday season."
Dellituri, a fifth-year senior on Monmouth's women's lacrosse team, gained valuable real-world experience during her internship with Audrey W. Clark. She was able to lead individual and group counseling sessions which enhanced her perspective of counseling and the job social workers do in an educational environment.
"My supervisor and I were discussing our student's needs outside of school," Dellituri said. "Most of the students come from lower income families that live just a few miles from Monmouth. With the giving season coming up, I thought it would be a great opportunity for Monmouth Athletics to give back to our local community, and our student-athletes stepped up in support."
The money raised was used to create holiday baskets with toys for each family. In total, MSAAC raised more than $1,100 that was used to fill the donation baskets.
During a typical year, MSAAC organizes an annual trip to the LADACIN Network's Schroth School in Ocean, NJ. Due to the current climate, Monmouth student-athletes instead sent holiday cards to the school's students.
"We look forward to contributing to our community in additional ways in 2021 and wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season," Criscione added.
