Ninety-three of Coastal Carolina University's student athletes, cheerleaders and coaches, all wearing their Chanticleer gear, visited 18 Horry County schools Wednesday, March 20, to read Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" to 2,450 kindergarten students in 98 different classes.

CCU and United Way of Horry County have partnered for the Caring for Kindergartners program since 2002 as a way of giving back to the community.

Following the reading, each students put the book's lesson of giving into action by drawing a picture and creating a greeting card for an elderly homebound senior citizen in Horry County. The card was attached to one of several hundred baskets stuffed with special items for senior shut-ins in the annual "Make Someone's Day" program now in its 12th year.

"Having sports figures come into their classroom is a thrilling experience for our children," says Olivia Garren, president of United Way of Horry County. "Being able to interact with the CCU players, coaches and cheerleaders is a very positive time for everyone. In addition, this program exemplifies the true 'chain of caring' -- from a college student to a kindergarten student and eventually to an older citizen within our community."