OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — The Oak Ridge boys’ and girls’ basketball programs took children in need shopping at Walmart for the holidays on Sunday.
For 14 years, the Wildcats have raised money for their “Creating Christmas Memories” program that allows underprivileged children to shop for toys, clothes and other Walmart products.
Head coach for the boy’s team, Aaron Green, came up with the idea when he first arrived at Oak Ridge back in 2010.
"I get pretty emotional,” Green said. “You don't really know how many kids don't have anything this time of year.”
He remembered one specific moment a few years ago that put the holidays into perspective.
“There was once a kid who had $100 and spent $60 to $70 of it on socks and underwear for his little brother,” he said.
Many of these children shop for not only themselves but for their families as well.
Both the boys’ and girl’s teams raised enough money for nearly 50 kids to spend $100 each. During the holiday season, junior forward Garrett Giles recognizes that events like these are bigger than basketball.
"It's a wholesome experience because it shows that we are more than just a basketball team, we're a family,” Giles said. “And we are here for this community just as much as they are here for us."
With practice, games, and the overall chaos of an already busy season, Coach Green said it’s nice for the players to experience what giving back feels like during the busiest time of year.
"A lot of these kids might not have an opportunity to know what it feels like to give," Green said. "This is maybe one of the best lessons we can give them."
Giving back is just a small part of the Wildcat’s season, but it’s something both teams can learn and grow from every holiday season.