Dec. 22, 2009

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Marist Athletics Department collected toys to benefit the Dutchess County Marine Toys for Tots Foundation during the women's basketball contest vs. Hartford on Saturday, Dec. 19 and men's basketball game vs. Binghamton on Sunday, Dec. 20. In exchange for the new, unwrapped toy, Marist gave fans a $2 general admission ticket to the game.

Frank Lombardy, Assistant Athletics Director for External Affairs, said there was an excellent response from the Marist basketball fan base.

"The Marist basketball fan base showed great pride in their community as we received an abundance of gift donations this weekend," he said.

On Monday morning, sophomore Erica Allenspach (Miamisburg, Ohio) and Élise Caron (Quebec, Canada) of the women's basketball team, along with other members of the program, assisted members of the Toys for Tots foundation as the toys were picked up by volunteers.

The Marist Athletics Department would like to thank all fans who participated for their donations.

Both the women's and men's basketball teams will be back in action on Tuesday night. The women will take on Northeastern at 7:30 p.m., in the James J. McCann Center, while the men's team will travel to Lehigh for the first time in program history. Tipoff in Bethlehem, Pa. is set for 7 p.m.

For further information on tickets, contact the Marist Ticket Office at (845) 575-3553. To purchase online CLICK HERE.