Dayton Flyers

Dec. 20, 2006

PHOTO GALLERY

For some of the children involved with the Grace United Methodist Church, the holiday season rarely brings a multitude of gifts.

That's why the Dayton Flyers men's and women's basketball programs stepped in with its annual holiday party. The Flyers visited with more than 50 children from the Dayton area at Grace Methodist Church to celebrate the holidays on Thursday morning.

"Being able to touch the lives of these kids is something that teaches valuable lessons...it's a situation where our guys learn as student-athletes," men's basketball head coach Brian Gregory said.

Presented with gifts to celebrate the holidays, the kids talked basketball, received autographs and had their pictures taken with UD players and coaches.

"It's nice for our team to give back to others during the holiday season," women's basketball head coach Jim Jabir said. "It helps keep our players focused on what is really important this time of year."

In addition to the players and coaches, Rudy Flyer was on hand to provide some entertainment and bring extra big smiles to the kids' faces as they ate and played games.

"Our program is fortunate that it plays such a role in the community," Gregory said. "With that comes a certain responsibility. Whenever we have an opportunity to spend some time with young people, particularly at this time of the year, it's something we really enjoy doing."

This is one of many charitable events for the Dayton Flyers, Grace Church and the greater United Methodist Church.

The Flyers women's basketball program has participated with after school programs with the YMCA, read to kids at Wogaman Elementary School, held a basketball clinic for the disabled at Elizabeth Place and visited the Children's Medical Center in Dayton.

On the men's side, UD is involved with numerous youth groups and after school programs in the Miami Valley.

Grace United Methodist Church also assists in other community service projects such as Habitat for Humanity and The United Methodist Committee on Relief.