Dec. 19, 2001

In its fifth year, the SAAC Pediatric Christmas Party enjoyed its largest and most festive turn out ever. Sixty-two children from the oncology clinic at Memorial Hospital of South Bend reveled in the holiday spirit by joining more that 240 student-athletes in season inspired crafts and games.

The party, which was moved to the Joyce Center Heritage Hall to accommodate for its increasing popularity, is the pinnacle event enjoyed in an ongoing relationship between the children of the clinic and Notre Dame student-athletes.

Irish basketball player Matt Carroll and friend decorate cookies at the annual SAAC Pediatric Christmas Party. Track team member Liz Grow dances with a party participant while members of the Irish hockey team look on. More than sixty children turned out for this year's holiday party.

Men's soccer player Devon Prescod spends some time with a child at the party. Children took part in games, crafts and other fun at the annual event. Santa listens intently to this child's wish while the track team's Liz Grow distributes presents.

Men's basketball player Tom Timmermans and Katie Besson from the rowing team help a child add sprinkles to a cookie. Casey Buckstaff helps this party-goer stuff a bag full of Christmas goodies. The children from the oncology clinic at Memorial Hospital pose with Santa in the Joyce Center Heritage Hall.