FARMINGDALE, N.Y. | For the second consecutive year, the Farmingdale State College men's and women's tennis teams adopted a family for the holiday season through the nearby Options for Community Living organization. 

Head coach Adam Waterhouse's Rams team captains for holiday presents for the family, both adults and children, through a provided list. From there, the teams got together on the FSC campus recently to wrap the gifts before distributing to the organization. 

"It is really special to see our players doing something so special for others," said Waterhouse, who was made aware of Options for Community Living through work that his wife, Denise, did for the organization. "Seeing the teams bond over something besides tennis is remarkable."

"Buying and wrapping these gifts is a great way to give back to the community and get into the holiday spirit," said senior men's student-athlete Ryan Hendel (Merrick, N.Y.). "That this occurs in the winter allows our two teams to become closer through such a great initiative, and this chemistry flows into our spring seasons on the tennis court."

"By being able to help out this family, and others, really makes me happy so that they have presents during this holiday season," said senior women's student-athlete MacKenzie Gisler (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.). "Just by helping this family out makes a huge impact on the community, and on this family in particular."

ABOUT OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc., is committed to helping Long Island's most vulnerable families and individuals live healther, more stable, and productive lives. As a Health Home partner, Options serves over 2,000 adults and children with serious chronic illnesses annually, and manges more than 160 residential properties scattered across Long Island.