ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- We all have heard the saying 'it is better to give than to receive.'

And for a plethora of UMSL student-athletes, this rings true like a church bell echoing on Christmas Eve.

Members of the men's and women's basketball teams spent some time Monday filling 60 holiday food boxes for their fellow Tritons. Approximately, $650 was raised by students in an effort to buy food and supplies to fill the aforementioned boxes.

This marks the second-consecutive year of SAAC's (student-athlete advisory committee) involvement with the Triton Food Pantry (TFP) -- which is conveniently located on the first floor of the Millennium Student Center.

SAAC President and current UMSL golfer Michael Brothers says it feels great to give back, especially during the holidays. This is Brothers's second year at the helm of SAAC.

"Last year around this time, we were looking for ways to be involved with the community -- whether with events in St. Louis or UMSL," Brothers said. "With COVID, it was really hard. A lot of events we would usually do had to be in person, so we couldn't really do that. This ended up being a really great way to get involved."

Student-athletes have a lot on their plates with classes, practice sessions and games, so the camaraderie displayed and the selfless acts of being involved for a greater purpose speaks volumes and resonates as to the character of everyone involved -- athletes or not.

"To support the UMSL community, the athletes take a part," Brothers said, "both through their donations and use of it. It was really cool to hit [on] something so close to home. We are glad it worked out this year."

The TFP is a "food resource for any enrolled UMSL student who is experiencing or is at risk of food insecurity or hunger," according to its website.

Brothers and soon-to-be graduate Olivia Klank were able to shop via Aldi's and Save-a-Lot, as well as few other grocers, and even had a remaining balance to be used for the spring semester.

"We tried to get the most bang for our buck," Brothers said.

Many know Klank from her presence and skill set on the volleyball court, but the student government association representative is another who stays busy outside the classroom and away from the court: giving her time to a higher cause.

Klank, too, has been instrumental in SAAC's unparalleled involvement with the TFP.

"It makes us feel good because we are helping [UMSL students] and their families," Klank said. "[It] will provide a nice meal for Christmas."

Approximately, $120 remains and will be used for diapers and other supplies, Assistant Athletic Director for Academics Lindsay Pickering said.

The TFP is located in room 170 in the Millennium Student Center, just around the corner from the Nosh eatery, and can be reached by phone at 314-516-6369, or by email at tritonpantry@umsl.edu.