In an event that separates the NCCAA from other national tournaments, the teams participated in activities such as wrapping Christmas gifts for children, creating holiday cards that will go to nursing homes and updating some of the Salvation Army’s databases. Other activities included making phone calls to parents who had requested help from the Salvation Army in giving gifts to their children and sorting envelopes filled with names of families whose children are in prison.

Northwestern College sophomore Ashley Filipi was warmed knowing that her job in preparing artificial Christmas trees would be beneficial to the Salvation Army.

"I’m happy to help out the Salvation Army and their staff because I know the Christmas season is an extremely busy time for them."

Filipi, who noted how much more familiar she is with the organization after participating in the service project, said she was happy to help out with projects that would help people who are homeless or struggle to support their families.

Indiana Wesleyan University head coach Candace Moats, who alphabetized envelopes for the prison campaign, echoed Filipi’s comments as she was impacted by the service project.

"Any time you can do something to help someone else- it brings your mindset outside of yourself," said Moats. "People have been touched by the Salvation Army and their ministry, and I’m happy that our teams at this event can participate and be a part of such a great purpose."

Tom McKee, the North Division’s Director of Volunteer Services was extremely thankful for the group’s effort, especially in a time that is busiest for the Salvation Army.

"On top of our bell-ringing campaign, we have several projects that relate specifically to Christmas," said McKee.

According to McKee, over 5,000 volunteers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area contributed their time last year, tabulating well over 45,000 hours of work.

Vern Howard, Director of Member Relations for the NCCAA noted the importance of Christian service projects at its championship events.

"The NCCAA believes that the service projects are the most important component of its national championships," noted Howard. "The service projects expose our student-athletes to the opportunities to serve the local community. In most of life’s cases, the students are the receivers. This gives them the chance to give, and it most-likely rewards the student-athlete just as much as it does the project’s recipient."

The NCCAA is an association of Christ-centered collegiate institutions whose mission is to use athletic competition as an integral component of education, evangelism and encouragement.