HAMMOND – The Southeastern Louisiana Student-Athlete Advisory Committee got into the Christmas spirit early by contributing to the university-wide “Toys from the Heart” program.

2012 marks the seventh consecutive year the “Toys from the Heart” campaign has been a university-wide initiative. The Southeastern SAAC is partnering with Kappa Alpha Psi, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Recreational Sports and Wellness and the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs to help provide gifts to underprivileged children in the local community.

Through donations collected from their teammates and a gift from the Hammond Kiwanis Club, members of the SAAC raised nearly $1,100, then bought and wrapped approximately 100 gifts at their monthly meeting on Dec. 3. The toy drive is expected to bring joy into the lives of nearly 400 underprivileged Hammond-area children this holiday season.

Southeastern student-athletes are dedicated to serving the local community throughout the year. During the fall semester, the Lions and Lady Lions have visited local schools and nursing homes, while also assisting with the Relay for Life initiative dedicated to raising funds for cancer research.