CONWAY - Coastal Carolina student-athletes took the time on Thursday morning to give back to the community by reading Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" to 22 Horry County elementary schools as part of the United Way of Horry County Caring for Kindergarteners program.

"The Coastal Carolina University Department of Athletics is proud to continue its partnership with the United Way of Horry County by participating in the Caring for Kindergartners program," said Coastal Carolina associate athletic director for student-athlete enhancement Cari Rosiek. "The program has allowed for a positive impact, not only with area kindergartners but also among student-athletes, coaches, and staff. We look forward to spreading the message of The Giving Tree to all."

A total of 95 Chanticleer student-athletes among Coastal's 18 intercollegiate athlete programs, along with members of the cheerleading team, coaches and athletic administrators, participated in reading the timeless classic to 103 kindergarten classes.

Upon completing the book, the young students were able to put the lessons they learned on display by drawing pictures and creating their own greeting cards to be distributed to elderly, homebound citizens throughout Horry County. The kindergarteners' cards will be attached to one of several hundred gift baskets intended for the senior shut-ins as part of the annual "Make Someone's May Day" program, now in its 14th year.

Thursday's events extended a partnership between Coastal Carolina University and the United Way of Horry County that has existed since 2002 as a means of giving back to the community.