ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – 'Tis the season of anticipation and gift giving. Although there may not be any snow in Orlando, the Knights made a list and checked it twice as student-athletes eagerly anticipated their favorite holiday community initiate, the Second Annual Knight of Giving.
The night consisted of nearly 60 student-athletes who paired up with elementary school children from the Orange County Public School district and went holiday shopping at Kohl's in Waterford Lakes. The event benefited families in the OCPS district who were recently displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria, in addition to native Floridians who needed extra help this holiday season.
"We were so excited to see the overwhelming number of UCF student-athletes join and make the holidays brighter for our students," said Sherrell Potter, a representative from the Orange County Public Schools. "This event has really helped make a difference in the lives of our students in need."
Each child was paired up with a student-athlete and given a budget to spend on gifts for the holiday. Children chose to spend their budget on clothing, toys, and other holiday items for themselves, their siblings, and parents who attended with them.
"Giving back at events like this holds me accountable to be a role model and have good character that can be reflected on these young children," said UCF Football freshman Darious East.
Once the children finished shopping, they had the opportunity to wrap their presents and write thank you cards to their student-athlete partners. The night concluded with a warm thank you and selfies with Santa Knightro.
"This event has quickly evolved into a holiday tradition for our Knights to give back to our local schools," said Lizzy Whitbeck, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Welfare & Development. "Our goal with community initiatives like this is to help our student-athletes realize their platform and the positive impact they can make on the community now and for the rest of their lives."
To get a full look at the event, check out the video above.
