That's A Wrap

For the eighth time, Maryland Athletics successfully partnered with Prince George's Child Resource Center (PGCRC) to provide holiday presents to families in need. 

Each year, PGCRC provides family support services to over 1,500 families and training to over 2,500 child care providers, parents and human services workers touching the lives of nearly half a million children since 1990. This is accomplished through home visits, child development education, links to community services, and adult education and their programs build a holistic scaffolding of support for caregivers, child care providers, children, and the community.

This year, as has been done for the past eight years now, PGCRC sends over holiday wish lists from various families in need to Maryland athletics student-athletes and staff. The individual teams pool money together and then actually go out to stores and purchase the respective gifts, which often include anything from toys, to winter gear, to school supplies.

“I absolutely love how SAAC gives us these different opportunities like the Adopt-A- Family drive,” wrestling captain Dominic Solis said. “I speak for our whole team when I say this, being fortunate enough to give gifts during the holiday season is such a blessing. Knowing that we as a team can raise almost $700 to such a great cause puts a smile on my face.”

The second key part of the holiday partnership with PGCRC is the subsequent SAAC Wrapping Party that comes after the gifts have been bought.

On Monday, Dec. 5, over 50 student-athletes gathered to wrap the gifts that were purchased so they could be properly delivered in the holiday spirit. 

“The gift wrapping party was overall such a loving, welcoming and positive experience which the team and myself really enjoyed,” Solis said. “Seeing all the teams come together even with their busy schedules to help wrap presents for these families was awesome.”

This year’s party was even more special as some of the families and children were able to come in person to receive their presents, giving the people involved a chance to see their reactions in person, which is always the best part.

“We’ve seen people drop to their knees in tears, just because they’re so grateful,” said Yenny Lucero, the Development & Communications Specialist for Prince George's Child Resource Center, in a recent Maryland Made podcast.

Once again, the partnership between Maryland Athletics and PGCRC was an overwhelming success—and not just in terms of the gift buying. 

“Prince George's Child Resource Center (PGCRC) has partnered with Maryland Athletics for our annual Holiday Helper campaign for eight years,” Lucero said. “We are overwhelmed by the dedication and generosity that Maryland's future leaders and philanthropists display through this campaign. This campaign is more than just gift-giving, this is building community and providing hope to those that need it the most. We are honored to have this invaluable partnership and we hope to continue this tradition for years to come! University of Maryland Athletics helps PGCRC fulfill our mission of creating healthy and nurturing environments for children.”