KU Men's Basketball Shops for Area Families

Dec. 18, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. – As final exams wind down for the fall semester, the Kansas’ men’s basketball team jumped into the holiday spirit Thursday to do some shopping for 17 Lawrence area families.

With the help of private donations from the Roundball Club and local Salvation Army, the Jayhawks, coaching staff, managers, family and friends scoured a local Wal Mart for the families’ “Wish List” gifts. Roger Morningstar, a KU standout from 1974-75 and father of current Jayhawk Brady Morningstar, helps organize the annual event, which is in its 12th year.

“This is my third year doing this and we get so much out of it,” Kansas junior Sherron Collins said. “Being able to help these families will hopefully make a difference during this holiday season.”

Gifts ranged from bicycles, crock pots, winter coats and video games to pots and pans and clothes as the Jayhawks carefully marked off their lists for the less fortunate.

Kansas head coach Bill Self helped raise the money through speaking engagements and other local donations. In all, the donations bought gifts for 47 people.

“This is something our players look forward to doing every year,” Self said. “It’s something they feel very good about in assisting families. The Morningstars have been doing this for years and we are very happy to be included.

“We’ve all been blessed in so many ways,” Self added. “The players come from different environments but are all fortunate for being able to play basketball at KU. The certainly enjoy being able to help out families that may be a little needy over the Christmas holidays.”