Hokie Club
BLACKSBURG – It was a special evening inside Virginia Tech's Hahn Hurst Basketball Practice Center this past Thursday, as the men's basketball players, staff and their families hosted the Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley for a holiday gathering.
Filled with laughs and tears of joy, the evening was about giving back to the community. The men's basketball program shared the true spirit of the holiday season with over 15 families – families that have been through a lot.
From assistant coach Christian Webster MC'ing, to kids smiling from ear to ear once they heard they would not only get one present but two, was special and exciting for everyone.
"The opportunity for our staff and players to give back to the community is very rewarding," Tech head coach Mike Young said. "To see the children and parents smiling and having fun is heart-warming for everyone. We are fortunate to have a platform where we can share with others, especially during the holidays."
The Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley is a non-profit, human service organization whose mission is to implement individual and social change for a violence-free community. The organization provides programs and services to adult and child victims of sexual and domestic violence.
The Cornerstone Children's Program Coordinator, Jake Woodfin, who collaborated with chief of staff Stephanie Ballein to coordinate the holiday event, is a night he, the families, and Hokies won't soon forget.
"It was really cool that the team not only wanted to buy presents, but also took time out of their day to just be there and spend time with the moms and kids," Woodfin said. "It was awesome to see our families feel safe comfortable and just have fun."
For more information on the organization and how you can donate, click here.