The Great Bend High School Boys Basketball program teamed up with Live Like Jesus Today Ministries and Family Crisis Center Inc. to bring holiday cheer to children in need through a special community shopping initiative.

Led by Head Coach Kyle Kriegh, along with assistant coaches Brandon Wells, Dale Kuhlman, and Alex Birney, the Panther basketball team partnered with local families and businesses to make the effort possible. Together, they were able to shop for 22 children, filling shopping carts with gifts to brighten the holiday season for local families.

Players took time away from their usual practice routine to personally select gifts, an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

“It was by far one of my favorite practices as a coach, and I look forward to doing it again in the future,” Assistant Coach Alex Birney said. “To watch how excited our guys were shopping for kids less fortunate than us was pretty special.”

Coach Kriegh shared appreciation for the organizations and community members who helped make the event successful, noting the importance of teaching student-athletes the value of service, empathy, and giving back.

The partnership with Live Like Jesus Today Ministries and Family Crisis Center Inc ensured the gifts reached families who would benefit most, reinforcing the impact of community collaboration during the holiday season.

Great Bend High School is proud of its student-athletes for demonstrating leadership, compassion, and Panther pride beyond the court. It’s great to be a Panther! For more information, contact Great Bend High School at 620-793-1521.