Despite a fierce battle with host Benton Harbor the night before, the Niles girls basketball teams got up early and headed to John Adams High School in South Bend to lend a helping hand.

Donning their Santa hats, members of the Viking squads help with the annual Coats for Kids Program Saturday.

The Niles teams were on hand to distribute some of the 115 coats they collect to area families. The Vikings, along with the coaching staffs, helped children find and try on coats.

Team members also played basketball with those waiting their turn to select a new coat.

“The girls basketball program would like to thank the Niles community for helping them collect so many coats this year,” team representative Lori Zimmerman said. “The response from everyone helped make this event a big success and the girls enjoyed the opportunity to help the youth in the Michiana community.

The varsity, JV and freshmen basketball teams began collecting coats in early November.