Nuggets Bring Holiday Joy to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver

While the Denver Nuggets faced off against Oklahoma City at home over the weekend, the real thunderstorm of excitement hit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver on Friday. Young basketball enthusiasts enjoyed an afternoon filled with gift openings, games, and newfound friendships alongside NBA champions and team representatives.

In October, CBS Colorado witnessed the Boys & Girls Clubs unveiling an outdoor court funded by the proceeds from the Nuggets’ championship victory. On Friday, Nuggets mascot Rocky, cheerleaders, and players converged with kids on the same court for a festive holiday party.

The cheers of children echoed as Nuggets players, including Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, Julian Strawther, DeAndre Jordan, Christian Braun, and Reggie Jackson, made an appearance. Strawther expressed his desire to be a role model for younger fans, emphasizing the importance of inspiring them both on and off the basketball court.

“Hopefully, I can inspire them on and off the floor,” Strawther said. “Being a better player and a better person, knowing that they might watch me a little closer now that they’ve had an opportunity to have a conversation with me and see me in person.”

Beyond the basketball court, the Nuggets players lent their hands in various activities, from helping kids create candles to crafting beaded bracelets. In another room, young fans engaged in NBA 2K games with Gordon.

“I love this community,” Gordon expressed. “I wish we could bring everybody to the games, but any time we’re able to give these kids is so important.”

For both the players on the court and the kids at the clubs, time is of the essence. However, in this setting, it’s not about the minutes played but the lasting memories created.

“This is so cool because there’s a lot of kids that don’t get to have this,” shared KJ, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs. “We’re so happy to have the gifts. I’m proud of everybody for helping the Boys & Girls Club out. Thank you.”

As the night concluded, children had the chance to select presents collected from CBS Colorado’s Together for Colorado Toy Drive. Those interested in contributing can drop off toys at King Soopers locations throughout the Denver metro area, with the toy drive concluding on Christmas Eve.