In the midst of a stretch of three games in seven days, the Valparaiso men’s basketball team took time out at the start of its most recent road trip on Monday afternoon to visit Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago to give gifts and share the holiday spirit with the children.

The Crusaders spent Monday afternoon making Christmas cards at the hospital to give to the children, along with the gifts.  They also took part in a television game show simulcast throughout the hospital called “Body Parts”, helping to host the show, as well as assisting the children in playing along with the game.

“It’s a very special moment,” said junior captain Ryan Broekhoff.  “It’s really heartwarming to be able to go in and bring smiles to the faces of kids who are in tough situations.  The time we spent there really meant a lot to everybody and is something we’ll cherish forever.”

The trip to Children’s Memorial Hospital continues the Crusaders’ focus on giving back to the community.  The Crusaders have taken part in numerous community service endeavors during the fall semester, among them participating in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes and making a trip to Parkview Elementary School to read to the youths.