Star's Charity Gives Holiday Help
By KELLY CUCULIANSKY
Staff Writer Daytona Beach News Journal

DAYTONA BEACH -- Boxes filled with all the trimmings fit for a Christmas feast were hoisted from a tractor-trailer and into the cars of needy families on a chilly Sunday afternoon.

Standing in line, the Rushby family found themselves in an unfamiliar situation as they waited their turn at the event sponsored by NBA star Vince Carter's Embassy of Hope Foundation. In the past, they've been the ones to lend a hand, but mounting medical bills and a slow work season put them alongside dozens of other families at the Believing in Christmas food giveaway.

"I'm completely new at this, we've never had to do this before," said Rose Rushby, with her 3 and 5-year-old children at her side. "My entire life I've always given to people."

A friend referred them to the event at Mainland High School, in front of the school's Vince Carter Athletic Center. They signed up before Thanksgiving Day to ensure they would get the crate of food -- filled with turkey, ham, eggs, potatoes, cranberry sauce and other items -- which they plan to share with neighbors.

With much of their funds going toward her disabled mother's medical bills, little is left for Christmas festivities, Rose Rushby said. Friends have dropped loose change in a bucket at their Palm Coast home, and they'll be using that money for their children's presents.

"Every little bit helps," said Rushby, who cannot afford to replace a bad tire on their car and has been using a spare temporary tire for several days.

Nearby, more families awaited food crates, delivered to their vehicles by Brothers Advocating Service and Inspiration in the Community, a group of boys who do volunteer service projects in the area every month.

Taking a break from carrying goods, Mike Gantt, 14, said it felt good to help people. "I didn't think there would be that many people here," he said.

Now in its 11th season, the Christmas season program began in Carter's inaugural NBA year.

"I have been blessed to be able to live a comfortable life," he stated in a news release. "Through the efforts of my Foundation, we are able to bring comfort and joy into the homes of families in need."

On Sunday, the program provided 150 food crates to recipients identified by local schools, churches and nonprofit agencies. About 60 of the boxes went to Operating Caring Through Sharing, a nonprofit that provides food to needy families on a weekly basis in Volusia County.

Although the Orlando Magic player was in basketball practice during the giveaway, his mother, Michelle Carter-Scott, was on hand and said her son has always understood the importance of giving from a young age.

Even when he was a boy, Carter-Scott recalled how she would realize many of his clothes were missing because he had given them away to friends in need.

"He's just hoping that families somehow will be able to salvage their Christmas," she said.


You can have a hand in helping others next Christmas.  Join in Vince's annual fundraisers:  Vince Carter Charity Gala, March 27, 2010 at Sunset Harbor Yacht Club and Vince Carter Charity Golf Classic, July 18, 2010 at LPGA International.