The Sage Colleges' Department of Athletics and their student-athletes are committed to making a difference! As the month of April draws near, so does the NCAA's Division III Week. Now in its sixth year, the program provides a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community.

During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct an outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement. Division III Week is a strategic initiative that achieves its desired impact from a unity of effort. It harnesses everyone working toward the same goal at the same time to build a greater awareness and understanding of Division III athletics.

Sage's student-athletes and athletic department members are committed to the ideals of Division III and D3 Week. Sage's teams and student-athletes will participate in a number of projects to celebrate their commitment to community service. D3 Week officially runs from April 4-10, but Sage's activities will actually start on April 2, 2016.

On April 2, Sage's softball team will hold their 2016 home opener and in conjunction with the Gators' doubleheader at Robison Field at the Neff Athletic Center, will sponsor a drive to help benefit the families and patients at the Albany Medical Center Pediatric Cancer Unit. Sage's softball team will be collecting donations and supplies to fill baskets for the families at the unit.

Additionally, on April 6 Sage's women's basketball and women's soccer teams will be holding a second Be-The-Match-Drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Buchman Pavilion on the Russell Sage campus in Troy.

Learn More about the Gator Softball Team's Fund Raiser for Pediatric Cancer Patients on April 2!

The Gators are looking two fill two gift baskets with gift cards and supplies for the unit on April 2 with its Support Pediatric Cancer Patient Games. First pitch is set for noon in the Skyline Conference Doubleheader as Farmingdale State College takes on the Gators. In addition, to filling the gift baskets with needed items, the team will be making hand written cards and notes of inspiration for the families and patients.

Among the items needed for the baskets for the Melody Center are:

Gift Cards

While undergoing treatment, families are faced with tremendous financial burdens.  In order to ease this strain, we are able to offer families in need some support through donated gift cards. 

In small increments ($10-20):

•          Dunkin' Donuts/ Starbucks                  •          Panera         
•          Hospital Cafeteria

In larger increments ($25-50):

•          Gas Station (Sunoco, Mobil, Speedway)         •          Stewarts      
•          Grocery (Price Chopper, Hannaford, Walmart)

Toy Donations

Small packaged items such as matchbox cars, action figures, Lego sets, My Little Ponies, Barbies, Polly Pocket, Princesses, PotatoHeads, infant rattles, etc.) We are currently not able to accept stuffed animals or large items.

In order to maintain the safety of the patients and for infection control reasons, all toys and other donated items must be   NEW, NON-TOXIC, and EASY TO CLEAN.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT IDEAS

Character Band-Aid Drive:  Our patients love fun character Band-Aids.  The small spot Band-Aids are great.  All must be LATEX FREE.
Birthday Wrap Collection…  We provide birthday gifts to patients and can always use gift bags, colored tissue paper, fun wrapping paper, and birthday cards for all ages. 

Book Collection:  We love to have books available for our patients.  All ages.  Books must be new.

School Supplies:  We love to help offset the financial burden of purchasing school supplies while they are undergoing treatment.

Snack Foods

We like to have a supply of snack items on hand for patients.  Frequently, they may not have been able to eat prior to an early morning appointment.  Many times, they always have different cravings so it's helpful to have a variety of items to offer.  We are only able to accept the following food items with expirations dates at least 90 days out from time of delivery to clinic.

INDIVIDUAL SERVING PACKAGES OF:

•          Goldfish crackers                    •          Frito Lay chip products                       •          Tiny Twists Pretzels           

•          Smart Food Popcorn               •          Keebler Variety Pack of cookies & crackers

•          Nabisco Variety Pack of cookies & crackers            
Juice Boxes:  100% juice (No CapriSuns please)

Thousands of patients depend on Be The Match Registry to find a donor who can give them a chance for a cure! Please join our effort to help save lives!   The event will take place on the Russell Sage College campus in Troy in front of the Buchman Pavilion, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 6.

 

 

 

All you need to know:

1-         Be Between the ages of 18 - 44

2-         Be willing to donate to any patient in need

3-         Meet Health Guidelines

All it takes is four swabs of your cheek to be added to the registry. Patients are desperately searching for a match and YOU could be the one!  Please join Be The Match Registry today! 

To learn more about the program:    https://bethematch.org/

            For more information on the event at Sage, please contact:  Allison Coleman – Sage Women's Basketball Head Coach 
Colema3@sage.edu                      

(518) 292-1957