Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men and women's tennis programs are hosting their Hot Paws Campaign for the fourth consecutive year. 

"With the harsh winter closing in on our area children who may be unprepared, the men's and women's tennis teams will be collecting and donating winter hats, mittens, socks and scarves which will be distributed to local children who need them the most," explained Head Coach Susan Schenfield. The teams will be collecting these winter items throughout the winter sports season, and will donate them to area school districts to be distributed to those in need. 

 There is a christmas tree set up in the lobby of the McDowell Sport and Fitness Center which will be the collection location for any donations. Items can be dropped off at any home basketball, swimming or wrestling events or during regular Sport and Fitness Center business hours. Any monetary gifts will be used to purchase additional winter items to distribute.

The campaign will officially kick off on Wednesday December 4th, when the men's and women's basketball teams host Alfred State University in the KOA Arena. The men's game will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the women's will begin shortly afterwards. Admission for all Pitt-Bradford home sporting events is free to the public.