ETOBICOKE, Ont. - There are a number of expectations on the table when a student-athlete is chosen to represent the Humber Hawks on the varsity volleyball team, and during the Christmas season these prospects go well beyond that of wins and losses.

For the past 20 years the two teams have joined forces at a team Christmas party to exchange gifts, and after all of the frivolity of opening gifts of toys and board games, the presents are collected and presented to a needy cause.

"The Christmas party continues to be a highlight each year with our team," said Hawks women's head coach Chris Wilkins. "It is introduced at our initial team meeting and has become something the team looks forward to."

The gifts are exchange in classic Secret Santa style. The amusing side to the gift giving is that the players are instructed to purchase a toy for the person whose name they were given, who they think would have played with as a child.

"It is absolutely hilarious when you see a 20-year old man giving a Mr. Potato Head and then opening up an Easy Bake Oven return," said men's volleyball head coach Wayne Wilkins. "It is a win-win as the players get to laugh while reliving their youth, and the kids in need get to have a wonderful Christmas morning."

This year there are two recipients. The first organization of choice is the Toronto Children's Aid Society Toy Room. Secondly, the team has identified two families under the Toronto District School Board – Chalkfarm Public School.

The Humber Athletic Department is supporting their initiatives and has provided two $100 gift cards to a local food store, to ensure that there is a fine meal on the table to accompany the gifts provided by the team.

Some may say that the women's volleyball team may be in the midst of a dynasty, but at this time of the year the only talk of dynasty is the one giving.

Source: Humber College