Fever Deliver Shoes, Toys, Smiles to IPS School 46

Fever Basketball.com Staff | December 13, 2013

For the second time this week, the Indiana Fever brought smiles and gifts to children in the Indianapolis community. On Monday, Fever head coach Lin Dunn and guard/forward Katie Douglas took part in a Toy Giveaway at Stout Field in partnership with the Pacers, JAKKS Pacific, and the Indiana National Guard. On Friday, Dunn and Douglas were joined by Fever guard Jeanette Pohlen for a shoe giveaway at IPS School #46 (Daniel Webster School).

At the giveaway, sponsored by Kroger, each of the nearly 400 students in the K-8 school received a brand new pair of shoes, a pair of socks, and a toy donated by JAKKS Pacific. Dunn, Pohlen, and Douglas were joined by Boomer, Pacemates, and a large number of volunteers.

Dunn helped children pick out and try on shoes, while Pohlen and Douglas took turns helping children choose a present for themselves or, in some cases, a younger sibling. The energetic children kept them all busy, but each was thrilled to help give each child a couple holiday gifts.

"I'm out of breath from this shoe giveaway," Dunn said. "I've been running back and forth finding 2's, 3's, 3.5's, 4's; some that sparkle, some that move on their own...It's a great day."

"To see the smiles on the kids faces when they lighten up...it's just a great event to be a part of," Douglas added.

For Dunn, giving back to children at this time of year brings her special joy.

"For some of these kids, this is Christmas," Dunn said. "You just never know what's going on at the home. And so, we an certainly put a smile on their face with a JAKKS toy and a shoe donated from Kroger and from Shoe Carnival. It's just a way to give back to the community, and I love being a part of it."

Douglas has been a part of three holiday events already this year between Friday's shoe giveaway, Monday's toy giveaway, and last month's "Come to Our House" Thanksgiving Dinner, but she emphasized the importance of giving back year-round instead of just at the Holidays.

"I don't think [it's only important to give back in] December and the holidays, but I think you should always give back," Douglas said. "And I think that myself and my team and organization, we try to do that each and every month."