NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – On Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, the State University of New York at New Paltz's varsity athletics teams participated in the annual Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Leaf Rake, raking leaves at 14 different properties in New Paltz, N.Y. The aim of the project is to aid senior citizens in clearing their properties of leaves, and the initiative began approximately seven years ago. Members of SAAC were instrumental in the planning of the event.

"It was a successful event that brought all the teams together to help members in our community," said Bryce Kristall, a sophomore on the New Paltz women's soccer team. "Everyone really felt good about it afterward."

"The Leaf Rake was a great experience, and it gave us another way to help out in the community and bond as a team," said Alex McCullough, a senior on the New Paltz women's basketball team. "It was a great day with lots of laughter and lots of leaves!"