By: Ally Salzwedel, Menlo Athletics Department
Atherton, California, December, 2024 – Despite a busy month filled with sports seasons and final exams, Menlo College student-athletes, coaches, and staff dedicated time to embrace the holiday spirit by giving back to their community. Continuing an annual tradition, Menlo Athletics partnered with the Good Tidings Foundation to support their Winter Wonderland program, an initiative focused on providing gifts to children in underserved communities all across the Bay Area.
The Winter Wonderland program, which began five years ago, collects toys through local drives to benefit non-profit partners, schools, and communities in need. Menlo Athletics has been a proud supporter of this initiative, and this year’s contributions exemplify their commitment to making a difference.
In 2023, Menlo donated about 500 toys to the program. This year, the Oaks surpassed that benchmark by donating close to an impressive 550 toys, contributing to the overall success of the Winter Wonderland effort. Last Holiday season, the program served over 1,955 children and distributed 5,800 toys, bringing joy to countless families.
“Life in athletics is demanding,” said Athletic Director Keith Spataro. “Training, recruiting, traveling, academics, and competition require undivided attention. Yet, our athletes, coaches, and staff prioritize giving back to the community, especially during this season of giving. We are proud to bring smiles to local children and spread holiday cheer.”
For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu
Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, and masters degrees in sport and performance psychology and information systems.
