Morrison Gives Back To Kids In Oakland

We have had a lot of criticisms for all our local teams this year, but we also like to point out the positive things they're doing, whether on the field/court or in the community. Kirk Morrison, Oakland native and Raiders linebacker, is one of the only members of the team who knows the combination of living in our tough community, and rooting for the Raiders every week. On Monday night, the night after the Raiders suffered another tough loss, Morrison and some of his teammates gathered 50 kids from the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC) for his 3rd annual Shop with a Jock event. Each child received $100 to shop with, as the Raider players helped pick out gifts for themselves or gifts to give others.

Our city is enduring tough times, and kids are usually the ones who take it the hardest. Whether it's through eliminating after-school programs, education spending cuts, or parents working multiple jobs, it is good that we show our kids that we care. Kirk grew up playing basketball at EOYDC and takes it upon himself to pick 50 of the most dedicated kids from the center to reward. Not only that, but he brings along his teammates. This year Richard Seymour, Thomas Howard, Slade Norris, Sam Williams, and David Nixon accompanied the kids in their shopping endeavors, which was held at a department store in San Leandro.

Anytime a local team puts on events for the community I applaud them, but when you know that a player can actually relate to these kids, it makes it that much sweeter. Though the franchises do some community work in Oakland, it seems that many of the events are held in the city's surrounding suburbs. The A's have helped with a couple ball fields in Oakland, and the Warriors have done the same with some basketball courts, but the efforts are few and far between. These teams and players make millions of dollars off the residents in the community, and a lot of fans choose to spend their leftover money on tickets rather than other choices of entertainment.

The video above is from last years Shop With A Jock, and it gives a little more insight into the joy it brings to the kids and the players. I also spotted the late Marquis Cooper in the video, a special teams player for the Raiders who died in a boating accident this summer. Our prayers continue to go out to his family as they experience their Christmas without him.

As the Holiday Season comes upon us, it is important that we reach out a helping hand to those in need in our great city. It could be helping to serve hot meals, buying gifts for kids, or simply putting a dollar in a homeless person's cup. As Oakland continues to grow and change, we must not forget about all the people who help make this city what it is. So please take action or give what you can, even if the person can only give you a smile in return. Happy Holidays from 38thNotes!

Bonus Video: This video aired on Inside The NFL last year and talks about Kirk's relationship with the Raiders from his childhood to the present. Extra props for his first Raider Jersey being Jeff George's #3