CINCINNATI — Christmas came a little early this year for some elementary school students, thanks to a partnership between NBA players and an Ohio basketball league.
What You Need To Know
- Payton Smith, founder of the "Smith League" summer basketball camp, dropped off gifts to students at John P. Parker Elementary School in Cincinnati
- It was made possible through a partnership between the Smith League and NBA players Jaxon Hayes and Darius Bazley, who are from Cincinnati
- They spent nearly $12,000 for the gifts
Students at Cincinnati’s John P. Parker Elementary School received a special surprise on Friday. Payton Smith, the founder of the Smith League, a local summer basketball program, delivered gifts to all 350 students.
"The kids really didn’t know the other day when I was asking them for the list," said Lori Kroner, John P. Park Elementary preschool teacher. "I reached out to their families."
Kroner said the students were so surprised when they received their gifts. Many were smiling and excited to open their toys.
“They’re really thrilled,” she said.
Smith partnered with NBA players Jaxson Hayes and Darius Bazley to make it happen. Both professional athletes are from Cincinnati.
Hayes graduated from Archbishop Moeller High School, and Bazley is a graduate of Princeton High School. Together, they spent nearly $12,000 on the toys.
“It’s always been in the plan to give back and for me to be able to choose a place that’s closer to home — and we’re all from Cincinnati," said Smith. “It feels great.”
He added that seeing the looks on the children's faces puts him in the holiday spirit.
“A kid got a Spiderman toy today and he made my Christmas by just smiling because of his toy,” Smith said.
Kroner said she can’t thank Smith enough for his generosity and for making the students’ Christmas even more special.
“We’re so grateful to Payton Smith and his foundation for being able to donate such generous gifts,” she said.