JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Dec. 3, 2008) - The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics along with Tennessee Department of Children's Services held its annual special Christmas celebration for foster children Wednesday night inside Memorial Center.

The annual "A Buccaneer Christmas" is a joint effort within ETSU Athletics, the Alcohol Awareness Task Force (AATF), the Student Advisory Committee (SAAC) and ETSU's Community Service Program.

This year over 50 children from the Johnson City area attended the one night "A Buccaneer Christmas" event.  Local children were able to participate in various activities throughout the evening, including decorating Christmas cookies, while also having dinner and a chance to meet Santa. The foster children also received a stocking full of goodies from Buccaneer student-athletes. The gifts for this year's Buccaneer Christmas were all donated by Clarence Mabe from S&M Entertainment.

"ETSU Athletics was pleased again to host "A Buccaneer Christmas" (ABC) for over 50 foster children and their families," said Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Barbie Breedlove. "An event like this requires a cooperative effort in order to be successful and this year we would like to again thank Mr. Clarence Mabe for donating the gifts, Mrs. Erin Beese of the Department of Children's Services for sending foster children from our area, the Alcohol Awareness Task Force (AATF), Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), Bucs Against Drunk Driving (BADD), our coaches and student athletes. It is important for ETSU Athletics to give back to our community and "A Buc Christmas" is a great way to do that."

Throughout the year, the ETSU Athletic Department is proud to have a chance to give back to the community. The ETSU Athletic department prides itself on being able to create a family-like environment in everything they do.

For more information on ETSU Athletics please visit www.ETSUBUCS.com.