Michael Redd shows he can distribute as well as shoot with back-to-school events

 

 

By Felix Hoover

For Your News Columbus

Aug. 22, 2010

 

 

Michael Redd has made his name in the NBA as a sharpshooting guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, but lots of local youngsters will also remember him for his assists.

 

Redd, who starred at West High School and Ohio State University en route to the pros, handed out school supplies in sturdy book bags and other goodies to children at four locations around the city on Saturday.

 

About 3 p.m. more Canada geese than humans were roaming around the leasing office at The Heritage. The geese didn’t scatter from the development off Agler Road, but people of all ages outnumbered them by the time 3:30 rolled around.

 

A few of the younger children didn’t know much about Redd, basketball or other NBA stars, but older ones shared their opinions about some of the league’s top performers, notably LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

 

When Redd, representatives from the Michael Redd Foundation and members of Athletes in Action arrived at the housing community on the North Side, talk about other ballers ceased in favor of the local hero.

 

Much of the activity was moved inside because of the rain. On one side of the room, youngsters signed up to get their supplies. On the other, prayer stations were set up for those who wanted to hold hands in worship with athletes from several sports.

 

Redd accommodated adults as well as children who wanted to pose with him for photographs.

 

Coming off two seasons that were cut short by knee injuries, Redd is ready to begin his 11th season with Milwaukee. And when he’s off the court, he’s finding different ways to serve the physical and spiritual needs of the community.