Marquette Golden Eagles spread holiday cheer through kids shopping spree

GLENDALE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Student-athletes from Marquette got to help some local elementary students cross items off their Christmas list.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, the annual Shopping with the Golden Eagles event took place at the Kohl's store at Bayshore Mall.

"I've never had shoes like this before," said one shopper.

Around 60 children from St. Catherine's Elementary School were paired with students from various Marquette teams as they went on a $200 shopping spree.

"It makes you feel good," Marquette Men's Basketball Head Coach Shaka Smart said. "It's a connection. Our number one core value is relationships, and that's within our program, but also outside of our program, out here in the City of Milwaukee. We're smack dab in the middle of Milwaukee, so it's important for us to connect with people, show that we care about others."

The kids spent about an hour working hard to spend every cent.

"I bought some Sephora, and I bought some lip gloss," 7-year-old shopper Jasirah Sharief said. "I bought a diary, and I bought some Barbie dolls and some Play-Doh."

Many kids also bought presents for their families.

"I bought a candle for my mom and matching socks," 8-year-old shopper Tiana Burton said.

As they picked out the perfect stocking stuffers and filled their bags to the brim, the Golden Eagles were on hand to do all the heavy lifting.

"It's just fun to see the kids smile and to put a smile on their faces," Marquette Men's Basketball Shooting Guard Chase Ross said. "Just helping the kids get what they want for Christmas get what they want for Christmas and what they might not be able to get."