ELON, N.C. -- Elon Athletics and the Elon Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) are partnering with Allied Churches of Alamance County to collect new and gently used coats for both children and adults.  Everyone who brings a new or gently used coat to donate to one of the next four home games (Men on Nov. 30 vs. Furman and Dec. 3 vs. Navy; Women on Dec. 3 vs. Chattanooga and Dec. 5 vs. Samford) will receive one free admission per coat.

"It is important for SAAC to help because one of our purposes is to do service in our community," said SAAC co-president and football player Dale Riley.  "We like to present a positive image in the community not only as athletes in our respective sports, but in everything we do.  There is a need in our community and we want to help fill that need.  It is paramount to us that we leave Elon better than it was when we got here.  Elon has given us so much and continues to provide us with great memories, a great education and the opportunity to play in front of great fans.  This is a chance for us to give back and show our gratitude to the community."

Riley was inspired to push for this drive after a visit as a part of numerous Phoenix teams to Allied Churches opened his eyes to the need in the community for warm coats.  Riley saw numerous children without coats and learned about the many people in the community who have to sleep outside.  After seeing this, he thought that SAAC and the athletic department could tackle assisting the organization.

Coats will be collected at all home men's and women's basketball games through Dec. 14.  Donation bins will also be stationed in both Alumni Field House and the Koury Athletic Center.  On game days, SAAC representatives will be on hand to accept coats as well as cash donations which will be used to purchase hats and gloves.