KU Takes a Break From Basketball to Shop For Local Families

Dec. 17, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. – –

The Kansas men’s basketball team took a break from a long week of final exams and practice Thursday night to do some holiday shopping for 17 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.

“This is a great night in large part because our players take so much pride in it,” head coach Bill Self said. “It is something that has been going on for a long time and the guys enjoy picking things out for each individual.”

In all, the donations bought gifts for more than 60 people and each player was assigned one family to shop for.

“We are out here shopping for some families that might not have the necessary things during the holiday season,” said junior guard Tyrel Reed. “It’s a great cause and all the players love to be here and help out when we can.”