Men's Basketball Shops For Local Families

Dec. 14, 2010

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

In light of the holiday season, the Kansas men’s basketball team took a break from studying for final exams to help 17 local families with their holiday shopping. With the help of private donations from the Roundball Club, the Jayhawks, coaching staff, family and friends scoured a local Wal Mart for the families’ “Wish List” gifts.

Each player was assigned one family to shop for, while former Jayhawk Sasha Kaun also joined by taking on a family to purchase gifts for. The team was able to buy gifts for more than 50 people, checking off items from its lists that ranged from towels and kitchen equipment to Barbies and makeup.

“I love shopping for the kids and the families,” said senior Mario Little. “Every kid enjoys Christmas so it’s a great feeling knowing I am able to get them something nice that they might not have otherwise gotten.”

Roger Morningstar, a KU standout from 1974-75 and father of current Jayhawk Brady Morningstar, helped organize the annual event to benefit those that are less fortunate.

“This is a very nice event that we do,” said head coach Bill Self. “The basketball program has been involved ever since I’ve been here. Our players really enjoy it and they take pride in it. It all goes to a great cause and certainly helps some families in a very stressful time of year and hopefully makes their Christmas much better.”