Humboldt State Department of Athletics Participate in “Winter Wishes”
Humboldt State University head coaches, staff and teams participated in the Winter Wishes that is organized by Forever Humboldt. This is a Humboldt State University program that helps staff, faculty, student and local alumni sponsors buy gifts for local children in need. This effort started with a former HSU employee, Bill Clem, who for 20+ years has made the holidays brighter for numerous Humboldt County kids.
Winter Wishes is an HSU program that local organizations provide wish lists from children, which will be used to buy gifts. Individuals and groups that choose to sponsor a child can anticipate spending a total of $50-$100 per child. Sponsors are responsible for dropping off their unwrapped gifts to campus for distribution. The program supports seven local non-profit programs to get gifts to children who otherwise wouldn't get any.
Gifts will be wrapped and delivered to the children by Friday, December 18.
The Humboldt State women’s basketball, women’s crew and softball teams participated in this year’s Winter Wishes along with Head Track/Field Coach Sarah Ingram, Head Men’s Soccer Coach Fred Jungemann and Academic Advisor Sei Hee Hwang. The men’s crew team from Club Sports also participated in this year’s Winter Wishes.
QUOTES FROM SOME OF HSU’S COACHES WHO OR WHOSE TEAM ARE PARTICIPATING IN WINTER WISHES THIS SEASON
From Lumberjack head women’s basketball coach Michelle Bento-Jackson
“I want to thank HSU and Forever Humboldt for organizing the Winter Wishes program. This is a terrific program that not only helps young children in need but also puts a smile on their faces during the holiday season. Our women’s basketball team is honored to be able to sponsor two children and to give back to the Humboldt County community. We had a lot of fun in deciding on the gifts and are thankful that we got this opportunity. It is important for us to give back in any way that we can! Merry Christmas”
From Lumberjack women’s basketball player Kazimierz Parks
“Having the opportunity to participate in the Winter Wishes, I felt very happy and excited, and very fortunate and giving because I got the opportunity to give to someone else and I make someone else’s Christmas special.”
From Lumberjack women’s basketball player Haylei Janssens
“We are so happy to give to Winter Wishes. Our community supports and gives so much to HSU women’s basketball and we are more than grateful for this opportunity to give back.”
From Lumberjack head softball coach Shelli Sarchett
“Every year the holidays are rough for some families and 2020 is no exception. It's an honor and a privilege to be able to give to someone who is in need. Even though we don't get to see the smiles on these children's faces, knowing that we may bring just a little happiness during the times means everything.”
From Lumberjack head men’s/women’s track and field coach Sarah Ingram
“Personally, I remember one particular Christmas as a kid when I didn’t expect presents because my family was having a tough time financially due to a bunch of new medical bills. And I remember myself and my brothers receiving a Christmas gift from a local civic organization, and that surprise made it one of my memorable holidays ever. It really meant a lot to me back then, that my community cared about us, so when I heard about Winter Wishes I was excited at the opportunity to help make another local kid’s Christmas a little brighter. It’s something I look forward to every year!”
From Lumberjack rowing student-athlete Malia Seely
Participating in Winter Wishes is a great way to give back to the community. I love to know that our team had a part in adding joy to a child's holiday season."
From Lumberjack head rowing coach Matt Weise
"Some of my most precious memories was watching my kids open presents on Christmas morning. I am glad to help with the Winter Wishes and hope that parents get to see the same excitement in their children."