Christmas on the Hill

The Rosecrans Bishops basketball team is at it again, playing Santa Claus for needy families in the community.

This is the 22nd year for the Christmas on the Hill event. 65 kids from local agencies such as Head Start, Help Me Grow, and Starlight are paired with Rosecrans students, who then in turn help make Christmas magical.

Basketball Coach Todd Rock explained how the event comes together, "A couple weeks ago we met the kids. Then last Sunday we went to church together. The cheerleaders, the boys basketball team, and anyone from Rosecrans that wants to be part of it, and then we go shopping at Walmart when we are done. We will spend anywhere from $100 to $150 per kid. It really is just an unbelievable experience. Not only for those families, but for our kids so they can see what it means to give back to the community."

The students and athletes from Rosecrans who participate in this event truly do learn what it’s like to give back. Just ask Rosecran alumni and OSU football player Aaron Perry, who came back to his alma mater to help out.

"It’s a great way for the Rosecrans basketball team, and the cheerleaders to give back to the kids in the community. It’s nice for them to come up here and get a Christmas that they might not experience at home," said Perry.

The event started at 10:00 A.M. Along with their presents, the kids also got a special surprise, a visit from Santa Claus himself.