The USC Beaufort athletics department takes its designation as an NAIA Champions of Character Five Star Institution seriously, and the Sand Sharks want to make sure they maintain that status for the 2011-12 school year.

With that in mind, about 65 student-athletes from USCB took part in Operation Christmas Child's "Pack A Shoe Box" campaign. The Sand Sharks collected a total of 174 shoe boxes packed with hygiene items, school supplies and small toys and dropped them off at Lowcountry Community Church. The boxes will be sent to needy children around the world. 

"Operation Christmas Child means community to me, getting together to show appreciation and giving to those in need," junior women's golfer Phyllis Langley said. "As athletes, we have to give thanks to those who support us when we need it, and as a school, this is a great organization we can be involved with."