KU Takes a Break From Basketball to Shop For Local Families

Dec. 17, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The Kansas men’s basketball team took a break from a long week of final exams and practice Sunday night to do some holiday shopping for 14 local families. With the help of private donations from the Roundball Club and local Salvation Army, the Jayhawks, coaching staff, family and friends scoured a local Wal Mart for the families’ “Wish List” gifts.

Gifts ranged from winter coats and video games to pots and pans as the Jayhawks carefully marked off their lists for the less fortunate. Roger Morningstar, a KU standout from 1974-75 and father of current Jayhawk Brady Morningstar, helped to organize the annual event.

“We are all very blessed and taking time out to think of the less fortunate really puts things into perspective,” head coach Bill Self said. “It is rewarding for these guys and a good opportunity to take a break from basketball and think about the holiday season.”

Self helped raise the money through speaking engagements and other local donations. In all, the donations bought gifts for more than 50 people.

–KU–