OGDENSBURG —The SUNY Potsdam women’s soccer team spent last Sunday at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center helping run the annual holiday party for children.

The Bears and their head coach Mark Misiak brought gifts and treats to the children at the center, who ranged in age from eight to 17. Potsdam mascot Max C. Bear was there to enjoy the party with the kids.

“My grandmother says it best, ‘When you give, you’re always given double in return’,” said Bears senior captain Alissa Tischler of Potsdam.

“Not only was it a good deed, it was such a great learning experience for all of us. I think sometimes we take for granted how fortunate we are. I know my best days are those when I can help to make someone else’s just a little bit brighter,” Tischler said.

Misiak said he enjoyed the day and was impressed with his team.

“I really hope the kids we got to work with had an enjoyable experience and that being around our girls brightened their spirits,” Misiak said.

“Seeing how the players carry themselves in situations like this makes me understand how fortunate I am to work with such an incredible group of young women. They were so enthusiastic about this venture and they really did put their heart and soul into it. Doing things like this makes all of us realize how blessed we are to be a part of a team where so many people care about you,” Misiak said.

SUNY Potsdam’s athletic teams are wrapping up the fall portion of their schedules this weekend with two home hockey games and four home basketball contests.