Boston College Student Athletes create ‘truly magical experience for the children’ at Catholic Charities Inn

On Thursday evening, residents at Catholic Charities Inn (CCI) emergency family shelter received an unusual knock on their bedroom doors.  

They were greeted by a jovial group of “Santa’s helpers” – student-athletes from Boston College’s women’s basketball, fencing, and football teams, with arms full of thoughtfully wrapped presents for each family. 

The generous visit is a holiday tradition Boston College has shared with CCI residents for the past two years. Thanks to Boston College’s Assistant Softball Coach, even Santa himself was there to share stories and take pictures with the children.  

Savannah Samuel, a senior on the women’s basketball team, said there is nothing more rewarding than being able to spread joy to families in need, especially this time of year. 

“We have such a great culture on our team, and we always strive to put others before ourselves,” she said. “We love being able to give back to our community – things like this just make us happy. Our team is so much more than just basketball.” 

Savannah and her teammates’ Christmas caroling could be heard throughout the whole building as they delivered gifts to each room, with some staff and residents joining in.  

Another women’s basketball player, Andrea Daley, began volunteering at the front desk of the Catholic Charities Inn shortly after it opened in the summer of 2023. Since then, Andrea said she has been committed to supporting the shelter in any way she can and getting her teammates involved in giving back as well.

“Coming here grounds me. Coming from nothing taught me to be grateful for what I have, to give back and to always think of others,” said Andrea. “Something so simple, like singing Christmas carols, might feel small to us, but it could mean so much to them.”

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Boston College student-athletes for creating a truly magical experience for the children in our shelter,” said Laura Crisafulli, Supervisor at CCI. “The visit, thoughtful gifts, and the delicious pizza brought immense joy and excitement to the kids, making this holiday season unforgettable for them.” 

To learn more about how you can support residents at CCI, or Catholic Charities Boston’s other residents in need, visit our Ways to Give page.