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SAN MARCOS, Calif. - The Cal State San Marcos Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently helped spread mulch for a children's playground at Casa de Amparo. Casa de Amparo is a local children's center that has been treating and preventing child abuse and neglect in San Diego County for over 30 years.

Members of SAAC spent three hours at the local agency, working on a playground that provides a safe-haven for play for children invovled with Casa de Amparo.

"We had a great time out there and really connected with the other volunteers," said Yusef Tahiru, a member of the men's track & field team. "We felt that we were definitely doing a great service for the kids and we can't wait to do something like it again."

CSUSM SAAC plans numerous community service projects throughout the greater-San Marcos area. The mission of the CSUSM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to improve the student-athlete experience by promoting integrity, responsibility, leadership and sportsmanship. SAAC places a strong emphasis on building character through community service and promoting spirit for Cougar Athletics.

Casa de Amparo provides emergency shelter for children who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect or who are already foster children. Today the agency offers six programs addressing the individual and changing needs of children from birth through young adulthood, as well as their families - The Child Development Center, The Family Visitation Center, The Children's Shelter, New Directions, Counseling Services and Young Parent Network. To learn more about Casa de Amparo, click here.