December 22, 2003

Blazers center Dale Davis handed out gifts to 300 kids, adopted three families and gave them each $700 gift certificates to Wal-Mart and gave out 100 food baskets today.

Davis joined forces with Portland Parks and Recreation and the University Park Community Center to help make the Christmas holiday a little brighter for some Portland families. Blaze was also on hand to distribute gifts, give hugs and make the kids laugh.

The festivites began at 5pm when Dale passed out raffle tickets to each child in attendance. He then called out names and handed out gifts to each child. From skateboards to autographed basketballs, each kid left happy.

"I got a skateboard and my brother got a toy car set. We love Dale!" said one little boy.

Davis then invited the families into the gym where he provided holiday meal baskets. He also provided the gift certificates and met with his adopted families.

"This was a great event. It made me feel really good to help people who need it and especially the kids. This center and the parks department really came through," said Davis.

University Park Community Center serves hundreds of families each year through recreational programming, mentoring and after school activities.