EAST STROUDSBURG - East Stroudsburg University's basketball teams distributed Christmas gifts to seriously, chronically and terminally ill children through the "Dream Come True" program at the Lehigh Valley International Airport on Sunday, Dec. 14.

The gifts were collected as admission at ESU's 44th Annual Basketball Tournament on Dec. 5 and 6. The Lehigh Valley International Airport signed on as the presenting sponsor and partnered with Dream Come True, a non-profit organization which fulfills the dreams and wishes of children ages 4-18 who live in the greater Lehigh Valley area.

Approximately 75 children were at LVI to receive the gifts and interact with the Warriors' players and coaches, along with Burgy, who was introduced as ESU's mascot this fall.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the Dream Come True program for providing an opportunity for our student-athletes and coaches to bring holiday cheer to the young boys and girls in this program. It was a truly satisfying experience for everybody involved," said Jeff Wilson, ESU's head men's basketball coach.

"From the moment we walked into the North Pole, you could feel the positive energy surrounding the experience. Our interaction with the children and their families was really inspiring and allowed our entire team to appreciate everything we have been blessed with," said senior Keri Cahill.

"The time that we spent with Dream Come True was something that we all appreciated, and was an opportunity to realize how much we have been given and what it means to give back to our community. It was an experience that we enjoyed as much as the kids enjoyed having us there," junior Andy Heimbach mentioned.

Special thanks goes to the fans and parents of ESU's players and those from Chestnut Hill, Georgian Court, Post, Shippensburg and Queens who participated by donating gifts during the tournament. Corporate support was provided by the All-American Flag Store, T-Mobile and Wendy's.