LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese Cowboys basketball team, in partnering with Lake Charles Ward 3 Recreation Department and Christian Baptist Church, brought many smiles to some kids and families on Sunday when the Cowboys paired up with local children to embark on a Christmas shopping spree at a local Wal-Mart.
McNeese head coach
Will Wade is continuing this yearly event that was introduced to him several years ago by one of his coaching mentors.
"My mentor (former Clemson men's basketball head coach) Oliver Purnell started it when we were at Clemson and so everybody who has worked with him, we've taken it with us and help out the community the best we can around Christmas time."
Each Cowboy player was paired with a child from the community, carts in hand, and hit the aisles, mostly toys, to load up on whatever he or she wanted, with some kind of spending limit. But by looking at the final haul, whatever limit that was set, the final tally surely busted it. But to Coach Wade, giving is what's most important, not only to the kids and families, but also to his players and staff.
"It's a great experience," said Wade. "It's great for our community and great for our guys to interact with folks. We paired everyone up with a kid and let them go Christmas shopping for themselves and family members. We had one who even bought a gas can for his dad. That was great to see because he's looking out for his family as well."
Pastor Edward Alexander of Christian Baptist Church and Kip Texada, Executive Director of LC Ward 3 Recreation, worked together with the Cowboys' basketball program to set the event up and choosing the kids to participate.
"This is an example of ministry when you're reaching out to boys and girls and being a blessing, showing Christian love, the gift of giving," said Pastor Alexander. "We thank God for the McNeese men's basketball program under the leadership of Coach Wade and the staff for being a blessing to boys and girls in our area.
"The children loved it and are full of joy. And the players loved it. It's encouraging to see someone who is being a blessing to others."
Some of the items that were popular to choose included skateboards, nerf guns, Barbie dolls, board games, action figures, and clothes.
"It's great to work with Coach Wade and his staff to put this on and give back to the community, especially during these times," said Texada. "We have a lot of people, especially kids, don't have an opportunity to get what they want, but McNeese came and provided a day where these kids can come out and get whatever they want."
A simple phone call by the McNeese basketball staff was all it took to set up the day's event.
"Coach Wade and his staff reached out and asked if there was any way they could do a partnership and give back, and we said 'yes, what can we do'," said Texada. "We were able to meet and come up with a plan, and what happened today was the fruit of the labor of behind the scenes of the basketball team as well as Christian Baptist Church."
"This is a blessing for some of these parents who could not afford Christmas presents," said Mrs. Sharon, a member of Christian Baptist Church. "I just thank God for what the McNeese basketball team is doing. We are grateful. We're thankful."
After the shopping spree, everyone gathered in the Wal-Mart break-room to enjoy pizza and cookies and a little bit of Christmas carol singing by a few of the Cowboy players.
"I'm so proud of this program and how they have embraced this community from day one," said Heath Schroyer, McNeese Director of Athletics. "To make time in the middle of their season to give back to this community is truly special. Kudos to Coach Wade, his staff and the players. They are making a difference, not only on the court, but in this community every day. I couldn't be prouder."
"This is just the first step," said Wade. "We're going to do other events in the spring and summer where we can mentor some of these kids. This is just the start of some big plans that we have."
All McNeese Athletics community events are sponsored by Perc Development.
