STANDISH, Maine- Student-athletes at Saint Joseph's College of Maine have once again demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the world. Member of the Monks community led the charge to pack an impressive 101 gift boxes for children in need worldwide as part of the Operation Christmas Child initiative. Spearheaded by Tiffany Miller-Gagnon, Associate Director of Athletics/Sports Medicine at Saint Joseph's with assistance from the college's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.), this event has been a beloved tradition for over a decade. This annual effort reflects the dedication of the college's athletic community to giving back to others in need during the holiday season. Tiffany's leadership has inspired countless student-athletes to share their time and resources, teaching them the importance of service and compassion beyond their respective sports.
To support the event, the Royal Ridge Church of God of Scarborough, Maine prepared a delicious baked potato dinner for the athletes and contributed to the packing and delivery efforts. A moving moment of the evening came when Keren Ngondo, a member of the Royal River Church of God, shared her personal story of receiving a gift box as a child, reminding the athletes of the profound and lasting impact their contributions can have.
Generous donations from the Saint Joseph's community played a key role in the event's success. These contributions enabled the athletes to shop for meaningful gifts and helped reduce the shipping costs for the boxes. Thanks to their efforts, each box was packed with care and filled with the hope of brightening a child's holiday.
The 101 gift boxes stand as a testament to the collective efforts of the SAAC, student-athletes, and the wider Saint Joseph's community. By embracing the spirit of giving, the college's athletes continue to lead by example, proving that their impact extends far beyond the playing field.
Support Still Needed
There is still an opportunity to contribute to this impactful cause. Donations to help cover shipping costs can be sent via Venmo to @TJMillerGagnon with "Operation Christmas Child" in the memo, or by reaching out to Tiffany directly at tgagnon@sjcme.edu.
This remarkable initiative reflects the power of teamwork and the generosity of Saint Joseph's student-athletes and supporters. Together, they've shown how small acts of kindness can create lasting joy for children all over the world.
