TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Before turning the page to conference play and the holiday break, Stillman College Men's Basketball took time to focus on something bigger than basketball.
Led by head coach John Teasley, the Tigers came together to assemble care packages for Operation Christmas Child, filling shoeboxes with necessities and toys to be sent to children overseas for the holiday season. The project brought players into one room, working side by side to pack boxes with items such as toothbrushes, cups, games, and small toys, each box capped with a handwritten note of encouragement.

"This Christmas we did Operation Christmas Child, where we came together as a team to pack boxes with goods for kids overseas who may not be as fortunate as we are," said Brandon Howard. "It was a great team experience for us, being able to give back together."

For Teasley, community service has long been a priority within the program. Howard said the initiative reflects the kind of leader Teasley is and the standard he sets for his team.

"For him to be able to come and do this as a team, and for him to be thinking like that, it shows you how big his heart is and how good of a guy he really is," Howard said. "For him to make community service a priority for our team says a lot about who he is."

The shoebox project also offered a reminder of gratitude and perspective during the holiday season.

"I feel like it's good for everyone to actually see how blessed we are," Howard said. "It's people in the world who don't have as much as we do, and it might be things we complain about, and it shows you how blessed you really are."

For Howard, one of the most meaningful parts of the day was the chance to include something personal for the child receiving the box.

"My favorite part was writing a note to the kid and being able to give back to someone who isn't as fortunate," Howard said. "That felt really good to do."

Howard said his message centered on faith and encouragement.

"In my note, I wrote about keeping God first and how everything always gets better," Howard said. "Just a nice little note saying I hope this box gets to you."

Foster said the heart of the project is simple.

"My favorite part is the giving, really," said D'Angelo Foster. "Just to give it to a kid that may not have a Christmas or may not be able to get gifts and stuff like that, and just making them happy."
The project also served as a team bonding opportunity. With every player taking part, the Tigers spent time together in a different setting, building connections that translate back to the court.

"It brought us together way more than we were at first," Howard said. "We were all in the room together as a team, getting the boxes and putting all the stuff in and writing the notes together."

Foster agreed that service creates a unique kind of chemistry.

"It brings you a whole lot closer," Foster said. "When you come in and do stuff like that for the community, you have laughs with each other, and it gets us closer outside of basketball."

By the end of the afternoon, dozens of shoeboxes were sealed and ready for shipment, each one filled with both practical items and care. For the Tigers, the project was a meaningful way to head into the holidays, united not just as teammates, but as a group committed to making a difference beyond the scoreboard.