For the third year in a row, the Clear Falls High School Knights basketball team has worked as a team off the court to help local families in need here in Galveston County. Under the leadership of their coach, Mr. Bryan Shelton, the Knights continue their tradition of donating Thanksgiving meals to CASA of Galveston County kinship families.
Kinship families are relatives or close family friends who step in to care for the children we serve when their parents are unable to do so. Kinship families often have little preparation or financial support when they are contacted to care for the children, therefore making community assistance important. Many of the kinship families we work with live in Galveston County. This year, the Knights and Coach Shelton provided full Thanksgiving meals (from the Turkey and ham to all the fixins!) to 5 kinship families selected by our staff.
Coach Shelton shared his thoughts on why giving back is important to the Knights, and how this tradition continues to grow each year. Below is a brief Q&A done by CASA of Galveston County with Coach Shelton:
Q: What inspired you to start donating Thanksgiving meals to CASA kinship families?
Coach Shelton: My wife and I became foster parents in June 2018 to a wonderful child from Houston. A representative from the Harris County CASA team was instrumental in guiding us throughout the process and in providing for our foster daughter and her siblings. Since that time, I have always considered the Harris and Galveston County CASA organizations to be some of the most important volunteer organizations for kids that are in tough situations and have looked for opportunities to give back.
Q: Why is giving back important to you and your team?
Coach Shelton: As the holiday season approaches, I really like to remind my student-athletes that these times should be about more than themselves. They should also be reaching out to see where they could be of service to make a positive difference in their community.
Q: How do you think this tradition you have created impacts the boys?
Coach Shelton: I’m hoping this yearly tradition is something that they will continue in their own way as young adults. Finding ways to impact others in a positive way within their own communities.
Q: What is your and your team’s favorite part of the process to get the meals delivered to CASA for the families?
Coach Shelton: I believe the best part is the sorting, boxing and loading of the groceries before delivery. Seeing the athletes work together off the court, for the good of others is always a blessing.
Q: What keeps you returning to support CASA of Galveston County year after year?
Coach Shelton: The CASA organization is vital to foster kids in need. So, Coach Shelton and the Clear Falls Knights will always support when we can.
Q: Anything else you want to share about you and your team?
Coach Shelton: The Clear Falls Knights will continue to try and live out our circle words that guide our actions and attitudes each day. Courage, Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Citizenship.
The Knights have shown year after year that their compassion and teamwork go beyond basketball. Their continued commitment to helping others in need during the holidays reflects their giving hearts and the close relationships they have built with one another.
We are so grateful for community partners like the Clear Falls High School Knights, Coach Shelton, and everyone else involved in this act of kindness! Thank you for making Thanksgiving brighter for families and the children we serve!
