Lasell SAAC Puts on Annual Christmas Party for the SPARKS Center

Janice Coppolino

Lasell College Athletic Communications

NEWTON, MA- On December 2, 2010, the Lasell College Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) held their annual Christmas party for the children of the Pediatric-SPARK Center at Boston Medical Center.

The SPARK (Supporting Parents and Resilient Kids) Center at Boston Medical aims to provide long term investments in fragile children to help them achieve in school and develop as adults while also providing the children with the medical assistance they need.

The Lasell athletes worked to raise money to buy these children Christmas presents by hosting the Laser Rally in October and also selling “Laser Pride” bracelets throughout the year. The athletes in SAAC look forward to this annual event, which takes place in the athletic center classroom, setting up a Christmas decorations and a tree for the children to enjoy. This year, “Santa” was unable to attend the party for the children to hand out the presents, so the SAAC representatives stepped up in his place.

The ten children that attended the party had a blast, beginning the day by exploring the gymnasium and then moving to the classroom to do arts and crafts and enjoy refreshments. SAAC then presented each child with a present from their “wish list”, provided by the SPARK Center ahead of time.

The members of Lasell’s SAAC are hoping to put together another party for the children next semester at Easter time.