Jayhawks Share in Holiday Spirit
Dec. 20, 2007
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<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>LAWRENCE, Kan. – 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, family and friends scoured a local Wal Mart for the families’ “Wish List” gifts.
Gifts ranged from bicycles, winter coats and video games to pots and pans and clothes 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, helps organize the annual event, which is in its 11th year.
“We look forward to this event every year,” KU senior Russell Robinson said. “Its Christmas time and this gets us into the giving spirit.”
Kansas head coach Bill Self helped raise the money through speaking engagements and other local donations. In all, the donations bought gifts for 59 people.
“Our guys do a lot more than people realize through clinics, Special Olympics, autographing basketballs and events such as this,” Self said. “This one allows needy families to enjoy Christmas a little more and we have a great time doing it.”
