What better way to celebrate than to help others? At least that's what the student-athletes at the State University of New York at Albany thought this spring. In celebration of National Student-Athlete Day, they participated in a number of community service outreach programs.

Albany student-athletes were on hand at the Philip Schuyler Elementary School in Albany, assisting with a program designed to increase interest in reading and writing.

The student-athletes helped children with their independent writing projects and also listened as the children shared the stories and poems they had written. Several student-athletes also came to the school to read to the children.

Albany student-athletes also spent time working with children in the Town of Colonie Recreational Program, an after-school program that provides activities for the children of the South Colonie School District.

The student-athletes involved with this effort took the children on field trips, engaged them in games and outdoor play, and led them in drawing and art activities.

"I really enjoyed working with the kids," said Brian Barnes, a sophomore guard on the men's basketball team. "To see the smiles you put on their faces is enough to make the experience worthwhile."

Student-athletes also wielded hammers and paintbrushes to assist with the Christmas in April program. This program assists low-income and elderly home owners in preparing their homes for winter.

"These people really appreciate your helping hand," Barnes said. "Sometimes elderly and low-income homeowners don't have the assistance or the health to complete simple maintenance projects. This is where students like us can step in.