East Islip High School’s varsity softball team participated in the annual Christmas Magic service project on Dec. 12. All of the returning players, including assistant coach Katie Wallace, shopped at Target in Bay Shore for elementary-age children in the Amityville School District. Each player had $75 and a Dear Santa list. The gifts were then wrapped by the players, and will be delivered by East Islip coach Jason McGowan, who teaches at Amityville High School.

“This is my fifth year participating in Christmas Magic with the softball team,” captain Kyra Kreuscher said. “It is such a great experience to shop for children that do not have much. Each player gets paired with a child and their wish list. While I’m shopping, I think about how happy these children will be when they wake up Christmas morning and open these presents.”

“I really enjoy doing this every year,” Alyssa Benvengo said. “It makes me very happy knowing I am making a kid’s Christmas who isn’t fortunate enough to get gifts on Christmas.”

“I love doing this every year,” Madison Sturtz said. “It shows me how fortunate I am. The experience that comes with giving back to these kids is so rewarding, especially around this time of year.”