PROVO -- In what has become an annual tradition the BYU men's basketball team will join the Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation in an effort to raise money for families who have children with cancer and participate in the Foundation's annual Christmas party for those families. This marks the 10th year the team has participated with the organization.
The Foundation has been collecting monetary donations and any unwrapped toys through the first three weeks of December. Toys can be dropped off at the nearest Far West Bank location, at Harmon's Down Town Auto Center located in Provo or at the men's basketball office located next to the Ticket Office at the Marriott Center. Monetary contributions will also be accepted at the men's basketball office.
One hundred percent of all donations to the Foundation will go directly towards the Christmas party for more than 90 families who have children with cancer living primarily in Utah County. A large portion of the money donated will purchase hundreds of toys that will enable these parents to have gifts under the Christmas tree for their children.
In addition to the toys the party will feature food, entertainment and local celebrities including Santa, Cosmo and the BYU men's basketball team. BYU head coach Dave Rose will serve as Honorary Chairman for the fourth year.
“This is a great opportunity to help families in our area that have some very difficult circumstances,” Rose said. “It also gives our players a chance to see how they can make a difference in their community. Hopefully when they leave they will have that same spirit of giving and continue helping others.”
Rose mentioned former Cougar Travis Hansen, currently playing professionally in Russia, and the foundation he and his wife LaRee have started called Little Heroes. The Hansen’s started Little Heroes to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Moscow.
“Working with the Children with Cancer Foundation may be the first experience some of players have helping families in these situations,” Rose said. “I think Travis (Hansen) learned a lot from his experiences here and is now making a big difference in many people’s lives.”
Cheryl Rose, vice chairman of the Foundation and wife of coach Rose, discussed the personal lessons she has learned from the families the Foundation serves.
“This the 10th year our family has been involved and it really helps put us in the Christmas spirit,” Cheryl Rose said. “It’s a gift for us to be around these families because I believe they understand what’s really important in life. They make the most of every moment they have with their children. We come away wanting to be better people.”
Rose said she has been touched by the donations this year despite the difficult economic situation many families are facing.
“Donations have been amazing this year,” Cheryl Rose said. “The people who can help have stepped up in a big way. It’s so amazing to see the kindness and generosity of people who are willing to help total strangers. Every time we get a donation it’s overwhelming for me to see the spirit of service in our community.”
This year's Christmas party will be held Dec. 17. Parents will be invited to choose the gifts their children will receive on Dec. 16. The gifts will then be distributed at the party.