Grand Canyon University Athletics

GCU Student-Athletes Give Back to Community at Canyon Cares Christmas
12/10/2015 1:17:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Cross Country, Men's Tennis, Softball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Tennis, Track and Field, S-A Development
PHOENIX - Grand Canyon athletics and the university are always looking to give back to the community that supports them day-in and day-out and during the holiday season, the GCU student-athletes participated in Canyon Cares Christmas, an annual event to spread Christmas cheer throughout the GCU community.
"It was an honor to work the Canyon Cares Christmas event," men's basketball player DeWayne Russell said. "This community does so much for us so it feels good to help out and give back to the community."
More than 300 families visited GCU's campus to participate in the event. Parents were able to visit Santa's Workshop to retrieve gifts for their children, lunch was served, and children could make holiday crafts. Santa Claus also made an appearance and participated in holiday activities with the kids.
Student-athletes from the GCU men's basketball team, softball,women's soccer, tennis, cross country, track & field and women's golf program, and the softball team all volunteered for the event. Approximately fifty coaches and athletes attended Canyon Cares Christmas and all felt like it was a rewarding experience.
"I am so happy that I was able to give back to the community that supports us so much," said women's soccer player Jessica Valadez. "Seeing the families and children enjoying the different activities provided for them was a great feeling."
"It was an honor to work the Canyon Cares Christmas event," men's basketball player DeWayne Russell said. "This community does so much for us so it feels good to help out and give back to the community."
More than 300 families visited GCU's campus to participate in the event. Parents were able to visit Santa's Workshop to retrieve gifts for their children, lunch was served, and children could make holiday crafts. Santa Claus also made an appearance and participated in holiday activities with the kids.
Student-athletes from the GCU men's basketball team, softball,women's soccer, tennis, cross country, track & field and women's golf program, and the softball team all volunteered for the event. Approximately fifty coaches and athletes attended Canyon Cares Christmas and all felt like it was a rewarding experience.
"I am so happy that I was able to give back to the community that supports us so much," said women's soccer player Jessica Valadez. "Seeing the families and children enjoying the different activities provided for them was a great feeling."

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