Cartersville Charity Basketball Game Helps Brings Gifts To Needy

CARTERSVILLE, GA - Take a break from shopping and stress this weekend and come out for a good cause.

The second annual Holiday Charity Basketball Tournament is Sunday from 1:30 to 8 p.m., at 25 Aubrey St. in Cartersville.

The tournament, put on by charity - Love Travels - was first held to bring the community together for something positive and uplifting, said Darian Lyons, social coordinator for Love Travels, according to the Daily Tribune News.

"Something that would take everyone’s mind off of their problems for the day and simply come out for a good time. The most important reason the tournament was held was to provide for those in need this holiday season."

The community can support the event by showing up, donating gifts or monetary donations for toys. Entry for the event is $5 or a toy.

Along with youth and adult teams competing, the Holiday Charity Basketball Tournament will feature local business vendors, live performances, a dunk contest, a kids' dance match and a ceremony honoring community nonprofits and leaders.

For Scottlin Smith, founder of Love Travels, the tournament mirrors the organizations' mission.

"We are gathering our neighbors to bring toys to help those who without them would go without this holiday season," Smith told the Daily Tribune News.

"We show love to the kids that will receive these toys. We show their parents even when you fall on hard times your community has your back. We show each other love during the good times, the bad times and the tough times."

A 25-year-old Cartersville resident, Smith formed Love Travels in June 2017 when she was a student at the University of West Georgia.

Smith helps oversee various community outreach efforts, such as scholarships and Belles of the Ball — where donated dresses help high school student's prom dreams.

For more information about Love Travels and its upcoming charity event, visit lovetravelsinc.org or the organization's Facebook page @LoveTravels101.