Friday, December 22, 2006

Mercy College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Conducts Holiday Drive for Mercy Center in Bronx

            DOBBS FERRY, NY - For the third consecutive year, student-athletes at Mercy College are doing their part to help out the less fortunate during the holiday season by conducting a community service effort in partnership with the Mercy Center (no affiliation with Mercy College), a community center located in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx.  The center offers programs and services that empower women to reach their full potential and become agents of change in their families and communities.

            For the last three weeks, Mercy College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) collected over 200 donated items that will go to benefit families served by the Mercy Center.  The collection included personal items, school supplies, children's books, snacks, groceries, and administrative supplies.  The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also accepted financial contributions that resulted in a donation of $350 to the Mercy Center.

            The drive culminated with a delivery to the Mercy Center on Friday, December 22.  Mercy Center Co-Directors Sister Mary Galeone and Joe Dirr were on hand to welcome members of the college community and express their gratitude for the contributions.

            "I am encouraged to see the leadership demonstrated by our SAAC members in response to this year's campaign," said Dr. Darryl Bullock, SAAC Co-Advisor and cross country/track and field coach. "By responding to the real needs of residents served at the Mercy Center, we align both organizations' shared core values of service, community, integrity and compassion."

            The Mercy College athletics department is still accepting donations to benefit the Mercy Center and will see that they are forwarded. For more information, please contact Dr. Darryl Bullock at 914 674-7220.

L-R: SAAC Co-Advisor Dr. Darryl Bullock, Carl Spence, Susan Paulsen,
Sasha Atkins, Graduate Assistant Elizabeth Bilger, Tyrik Overton

About Mercy College Athletics        
           Mercy College is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution and a member of the East Coast Conference (ECC). The College competes in 15 men's and women's sports. To learn more about Mercy's Department of Athletics and Recreation, call (914) 674-7220 or visit http://www.mercyathletics.com/.