POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are dedicating a weekend in December to making this holiday season brighter for children in need in the Potsdam community.

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Sherry Dobbs and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tara Ruckh have announced that on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8, the teams are hosting the “Potsdam Bears Care for Kids” program to benefit families in need who will be receiving assistance from the Potsdam Holiday Fund this year. Anyone who comes “bearing” a new unwrapped gift for a child in need will receive free admission to one of the basketball games that weekend in the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium in Maxcy Hall:

• Friday, Dec. 7: women’s game at 6 p.m., men’s game at 8 p.m., both vs. Buffalo State

• Saturday, Dec. 8: women’s at 2 p.m., men’s at 4 p.m., both vs. Fredonia State

The Potsdam Holiday Fund provides new toys, warm clothing and food to families and senior citizens in need in the Potsdam area. Last year, more than 500 children received gifts, food and warm clothing, and 100 senior citizens received food baskets through the program.

For more information, or to donate, volunteer or apply for assistance, visit www.potsdamholidayfund.org.