Blue Devil boys’ and girls’ basketball players went to work on Sunday afternoon to brighten the holidays of 25 local children from financially challenged families, teaming up with Huntington High School alum Michael Brown on a shopping spree.
A member of Huntington’s Class of 1987 and the owner of Empire Automotive Group, Mr. Brown attended Boston University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in the School of Management. He later obtained a graduate degree at BU in management consulting. He played football and ran on the track team for the Blue Devils.
Mr. Brown reached out to Huntington basketball coach Kevin Thorbourne about getting the Blue Devil basketball teams involved in a holiday community service project. He provided $2,500 for gifts and another $1,500 for food, snacks, refreshments and stuffed animals for a Christmas Party with Santa Claus this week.
The Blue Devil players and coaches met at Target in Huntington and fanned out around the store, searching for items that would interest children. The teenagers checked prices to stretch the donated dollars as far as possible. With shopping carts full, they headed to the check-out registers. Outside the store, the entire group assembled for a photo.
Next, the Blue Devils headed to nearby Empire Toyota on Jericho Turnpike, where they worked tirelessly in a large conference room to wrap all the presents. It was an afternoon well spent.
While Mr. Thorbourne took the lead in coordinating the activity, Huntington varsity coaches Ken Parham, Jordan Ioviero, Mike Kaplan and Marissa Bergmann were all on hand to help out.
The Blue Devils left the wrapped presents behind, where they now await the 25 children who will be attending this week’s party at Empire Toyota. When the youngsters see the gifts and welcome Santa Claus the happy reactions will help the basketball players understand anew that the joy in giving makes every sacrifice worthwhile.
