Former basketball player returns home to bestow the spirit of charity amongst local youth
Gabe McGlothan, a former Grand Canyon University (GCU) mechanical engineering alumnus and G League player, organised a shoe donation event at the university in 2024. The event, known as the It's Gotta Be the Shoes initiative, aimed to provide shoes to youth with limited resources.
The event was supported by GCU's Vice President of Athletics, Jamie Boggs, and University President, Brian Mueller, who shared McGlothan's vision for the project. Local organisations such as GCU CityServe, Reborn Church, and Callahan Care were also involved in the organisation and execution of the event.
McGlothan's participation in the It's Gotta Be the Shoes initiative during his time with the G League was inspired by his own experiences growing up. His shoes were often worn, ill-fitting, and scuffed, a reality he wanted to help change for other children. The importance of service and the gift of giving was instilled in him early in his life, and he sought to extend this ethos through the event.
The event included a gathering of children on court, where they shared stories, played games, and learned the basics of basketball. Twenty-nine pairs of Nike Dunk Low shoes and socks were donated for the event, with each pair addressed with a child's name. The young participants took part in a game of Knockout with McGlothan, creating memorable moments for all involved.
Deanna Shivers, the mother of two boys who received new shoes, expressed her appreciation for the event and the opportunity it provided. The event ended with the kids writing thank you cards to all who played a part in making the clinic and shoe donations possible.
McGlothan returned to GCU to host another youth basketball clinic and shoe donation in Antelope Gymnasium. He also participated in various volunteer opportunities with the men's basketball program at GCU. Victory Collegiate Academy (VCA), chosen as the vendor for the event due to McGlothan's previous volunteer work with them, played a crucial role in the success of the initiative.
McGlothan's mother, Janelle Danley, also expressed her gratitude for the community support during his time at GCU. Izabela Fogarasi, a GCU staff writer, can be reached at [email protected] for more information about the event and McGlothan's involvement with the university.
This event serves as a testament to McGlothan's commitment to giving back to his community and inspiring others to do the same. It also highlights the power of community engagement in addressing social issues and providing essential resources to those in need.
- Gabe McGlothan's shoe donation event, known as the It's Gotta Be the Shoes initiative, was supported by Grand Canyon University's Vice President of Athletics, Jamie Boggs, and University President, Brian Mueller.
- Local organizations like GCU CityServe, Reborn Church, and Callahan Care, as well as the men's basketball program at GCU, assisted in organizing and executing the event.
- McGlothan, a former mechanical engineering alumnus of GCU, wanted to help change the reality of children with limited resources by providing them with new shoes.
- The event included a youth basketball clinic, where children shared stories, played games, and learned the basics of basketball.
- Deanna Shivers, the mother of two boys who received new shoes, expressed her appreciation for the event and the opportunities it provided for her children.
- McGlothan's desire to give back to his community and inspire others to do the same, combined with the power of community engagement, served as a testament to the essential resources provided and the addressing of social issues.
