SAN FRANCISCO -- Giving back to one's local community can look different during a pandemic, but for the Academy of Art University Student-Advisory Committee, supplying over 100 books to the Homeless Children's Network in a virtual book party ahead of the holiday season was just as meaningful.

"At our first meeting of the school year, SAAC set a goal of strengthening our relationship with the community, on campus, and in the athletics department," said Senior Woman Administrator and ART U SAAC Advisor Krystle Evans. "The student-athletes recognize that the city has a large homeless population and wanted to do something to help those in need."

Wanting to ensure activities would remain safe with many of student-athletes at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee decided on a "Virtual Book Party" which could ultimately aid children in encouraging a love of reading while supporting their literacy and helping them gain confidence.

Initially, ART U SAAC would become connected to Usborne Books & More Consultant Jamie Frommoethelydo through Evans to help distribute the books to an appropriate organization. The Homeless Children's Network was then selected as its mission of "decreasing the trauma of homelessness and domestic violence, empowering families, and increasing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts among service providers to end homelessness and poverty" aligned perfectly with the committee's direction.

As the mid-November event approached, Urban Knights from more teams became involved and the end result was more than 100 books donated from the HCN children's wishlist along with lots of fun interactions through Facebook where the event was held.

"Normally we have one host so to have a whole committee was exciting," Frommoethelydo said. "Seeing the momentum grow as the student-athletes supported the cause and interacted on Facebook was really cool. We had originally hoped to give a few books, but being able to give over 100 to the Homeless Children's Network really showed that sense of community."

Numerous Academy of Art Athletics teams were represented both in the virtual event as well as in the form of donations. Student-athletes as well as families from the volleyball, softball, baseball, men's and women's basketball, women's tennis, men's golf, and women's soccer programs along with the ART U Athletics administration were all among the contributors.

"This event was a great kickstart to the holiday season and a successful virtual outreach that benefited both the ART U Athletics department and others," said SAAC Co-President Michaela Charrette.

Arriving in time for the winter holidays, the donations made would help to provide children joy as well as important tools to cope with overwhelming emotions.

"The books provided by Jamie and the student-athletes are going to make a big difference for the families served by Homeless Children's Network," said HCN Development and Communications Director Hilary Bothma. "Support from our community is what makes our work possible with homeless and at-risk children and families in San Francisco."

To learn more about Homeless Children's Network, please visit www.hcnkids.org.