On Tuesday, John Calipari joined with Samaritan’s Feet and took his team to rural Campton, Ky., to deliver shoes and wash the feet of students from two local elementary schools. Calipari called it a “big day” for his players and the children because of what both groups would get out of the experience. Eric Lindsey of CoachCal.com accompanied the team on the trip and has this account:

Calipari said Tuesday’s stop at Campton was just another way to teach his players that they’ve been put in a position to help others.“I think a lot of the people look at us as role models, so be able to actually come here and see us in person, it probably makes their world,” graduate student Julius Mays said. “It’s probably an early Christmas present for them.”Tuesday wasn’t the only day the Cats will be giving back for Christmas. On Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Calipari and the players will be at three different locations in Lexington to collect coats for the Calipari Foundation’s “Cal’s Coats for Kids” drive.Anyone in the Lexington area that has a new or gently used coat can drop one off at Man O’ War Harley-Davidson or the Wildcat Wearhouse locations at Fayette Mall and in Hamburg. The coats will go to Lexington area families in need.

Read the entire story here.Current Cats aren’t the only ones being charitable during the holidays. Charlotte Bobcats rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist donated more than 100 jerseys and backpacks to Sterling Elementary Basketball, the league in which Kidd-Gilchrist played as a youngster in Somerdale, N.J. Also, DeMarcus Cousins played Santa Claus and hosted a shopping spree for 50 Sacramento, Calif., children. Take a look at this video of “Santa Cuz.”