A collaborative effort between Michigan State University’s Native American Institute, or NAI, and Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program, or IYEP, and the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots is ensuring Native American youth in the Lansing area receive gifts this holiday season.

When Kevin Leonard assumed his role as interim director of NAI in 2022, he participated in listening sessions to strengthen relationships between the university and Tribes throughout the state. This included the United Tribes of Michigan, where he met Rodney Loonsfoot, of the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Community in the Upper Peninsula’s Baraga County. Loonsfoot is a former Marine who currently serves as a Tribal council member and Tribal veteran service officer.

During their conversations, Loonsfoot mentioned the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Native American Program, which could deliver hundreds of toys to urban Indian youth who are either unaffiliated with a reservation or do not live near their traditional communities. Leonard contacted Estrella Torrez, professor in MSU’s Residential College in the Arts and Humanities and co-director of IYEP, and the Lansing School District, who collectively identified local Native families in need of support for their children during the holiday season.

“I’m grateful for the continued collaboration with Kevin and MSU to bring Toys for Tots to the Lansing community and offer the Native American program a special miigwech [thank you in Ojibwe],” council member Loonsfoot said. “Working together allows us to honor our commitment to supporting Native youth and ensuring every child feels the joy and generosity of the season.”

Building on this shared commitment, Leonard, who became NAI’s permanent director in 2024, emphasized how reestablishing relationships laid the foundation for the program’s success. “Renewing our relationship with KBIC led to launching the annual Toys for Tots program in Lansing,” he said. “Rodney’s willingness and commitment to supporting Native youth in our area and across the state has been invaluable.”

Toy collection efforts led to coordination with Mark Rokita, operations supervisor with MSU’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities team, who accepted, stored and then delivered four 6-foot-tall pallets worth of gifts to the Eva L. Evans Welcome Center in Lansing. In addition to the toys, IPF delivered books donated by the Book Depot in Buffalo, New York.

Toys, books and food donations were distributed to more than 300 children on Dec. 11 and 12 at the Evans Welcome Center. Thousands of gifts were wrapped by volunteers and ready for pickup, along with meals for the families.

“Each year, we are able to come together and share gifts, food and stories with the youth in our community,” Torrez said. “We are so grateful for all the support and care that our community dedicates to uplifting the Indigenous youth in the Greater Lansing area.”

In only its second year, the program has doubled the number of families receiving support, highlighting the power of collaboration. By reestablishing strong relationships with Tribal communities, this effort has created meaningful opportunities to support Native youth and families during this holiday season and in years to come.

This story originally appeared on the University Outreach and Engagement website.

NEW YORK – The Brooklyn Nets paid tribute to the victims of the Sydney Hanukkah massacre in a Hanukkah celebration at the Barclays Center during the team’s game against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. 

As part of the event, a giant basketball menorah was lit during the game by the 14-year-old nephew of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed in the Sydney massacre last week. The ceremony was facilitated by the Chabad Teen Network, the world’s largest teen organization. 

Fox News Digital spoke with Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad World Headquarters, who would have attended the menorah lighting at the Barclays Center Thursday, but instead booked a one-way ticket to Australia to be with the victims’ families. Kotlarsky said the Nets recognizing Hanukkah and celebrating Jewish heritage is one of the things that “makes America great.”

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A menorah made of basketballs overlooks the Barclays Center prior to the Brooklyn Nets taking on the Miami Heat in Brooklyn, New York, on Dec. 18, 2025. (Ryan Canfield/Fox News)

“I think that it is really, really incredible to see America in its whole glory, where it stands for what we believe in. And we celebrate our ideals and our traditions, and our holidays, and it’s supported by the Nets, which is an incredible franchise,” Kotlarsky said.

“To be able to recognize and give a voice to many teens who might not be in a Jewish school or might not be in a Jewish (ChaBad), to celebrate their heritage proudly is one of the things that makes America great. One of the things that makes sports, the tool and the vessel that it is, to cross the aisles and empower young people to be proud of who they are.”

The Nets have two Jewish players on their team, Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf, and Kotlarsky said they are inspiring the youth, showing them that they can follow their dreams without compromising their values. 

FAMILIES MOURN LOVED ONES LOST IN BONDI BEACH TERROR ATTACK: ‘NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE THE PAIN’

Brooklyn Nets forward Danny Wolf (2) drives to the basket past Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New York, on Dec. 14, 2025. (Heather Khalifa/AP Photo)

“People see that no matter where you come from and where your humble beginnings are, you can still be proud of who you are and make it to the top, and you’re celebrated for who (you are). I think the key message, about the whole holiday, is one that we celebrate proudly, that light has infinitely more power than darkness and to have them on the team to be able to say, ‘You’re passionate about basketball, and you can make it,” Kotlarsky said.

“You can celebrate who you are.”

Kotlarsky said his trip to Australia is about making sure the Jewish community, who is dealing with a lot of “pain, hurt, loss and shock,” will come out of this bigger, stronger and better. He said they are looking to do a last-minute Hanukkah celebration on Sunday on the same beach where 16 people were killed. 

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A sign under a menorah wishing people a “Happy Chanukah” that overlooks the Barclays Center prior to the Brooklyn Nets taking on the Miami Heat in Brooklyn, New York, on Dec. 18, 2025. (Ryan Canfield/Fox News)

“You can’t understand why things happen and how people could be so evil and kill for such things but at the same time it brings out so much more in what we believe,” Kotlarsky said. 

“Like the Hannukkah message, when you squeeze an olive oil comes out. When you squeeze people you get to see their real essence and who they are and hope that beautiful stuff comes out.”

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The New York Liberty and Ant International’s Alipay+, a leading cross-border fintech services platform based in Singapore, today announced a multiyear partnership, making Alipay+ an Official Sponsor and Innovation Partner for Sustainability of the New York Liberty. Through this partnership, Alipay+ and the Liberty will jointly support community programs designed to advance community empowerment, environmental sustainability and youth development across New York City.

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Peng Yang, CEO, Ant International and Clara Wu Tsai, Vice Chair, Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment; Governor, New York Liberty

“Our partnership with Alipay+ goes beyond the game,” said Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, New York Liberty. “Together, we are investing in the future of New York—its people, its environment, and its youth. Ant International’s commitment to community empowerment, sustainability and digital innovation makes them an ideal partner for our mission.”

“To us, the story of New York Liberty embodies the legendary New York spirit: one of incredible talent, passion, teamwork and perseverance,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “These winning qualities echo strongly with the Alipay+ community, where young entrepreneurs and global institutions partner up to push the frontier of innovation for underserved communities and small businesses. We are honored to support the Liberty, and look forward to learning from all other Liberty partners in its sustainability and youth programs.”

Alipay+ will become a key contributor to the team’s community-driven initiatives on community empowerment, environmental conservation and youth development. These will include three main areas:

• Community Empowerment: Alipay+ will partner with the Liberty to provide resources and digital tools to empower local communities and foster greater confidence and resilience.

• Sustainability: Alipay+ will support the Liberty and its community in urban reforestation and other conservation initiatives, such as Threes for Trees, whereby trees are planted for every three-pointer made by the Liberty during the season; and a community project to mobilize recycling of used shoes and fund the refurbishing of public basketball courts.

• Youth Sports and Technology Skills Development: Alipay+ will support projects for youth sports and technology training, including a series of youth-focused workshops and clinics to be co-designed and introduced with local partners and tutors, centered on digital skills, technology access and financial literacy, helping to bridge the digital divide and inspire the next generation of leaders.

To launch the partnership, Alipay+ supported the Liberty’s Shoe Sorting Day on December 18, as part of the team’s Season of Giving initiatives. Volunteers sorted donated sneakers for distribution to students experiencing homelessness across New York City, along with handwritten notes of encouragement to uplift them during challenging times. Beyond meeting an immediate need, the initiative also removes quiet barriers that can affect confidence as ill-fitting shoes can keep students from engaging fully. By providing brand-new sneakers students can feel proud to call their own, the Liberty and Alipay+ aim to empower local youth with renewed confidence and belonging.

The partnership will officially tip off next season at Barclays Center with marketing activations including in-arena branding, social media campaigns, and community engagement, amplifying the impact of each initiative across Liberty fans and neighborhoods throughout the city.

About the New York Liberty

The New York Liberty was founded on October 30, 1996 and is one of three original franchises remaining in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Liberty have made six WNBA Finals appearances in its 28-year history, and most recently, won the 2024 WNBA Championship. Owned by Joe and Clara Tsai, owners of the Brooklyn Nets, the Liberty play its home games at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. For more information, please visit www.nyliberty.com.

About Alipay+

Ant International’s Alipay+ is a global cross-border payment and digitization gateway connecting global merchants to the Asia-Pacific digital wallet community. We offer fintechs and merchants innovative cross-border digital payment and travel services solutions, to enable seamless consumer experience while opening new growth opportunities for businesses, especially small businesses across the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251219678825/en/

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This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.

The rhythm is alive at TKO Drumline and Knockout Dance Team practice. There, dancers and drummers ages 5 to 18 are running through beats and choreography — routines that complement each other by design.

Coach Byron Hawkins has been ushering kids through TKO for 20 years — 10 of them in Brooklyn Park.

He said the magic in their routines comes from listening to each other. 

“A lot of it is pretty much freestyle,” Hawkins explained. “We also do a lot of syncopation, we also do a lot of creative things where we build from within. We watch our dancers and build a lot of cadences off of that.” 

He founded the club to give kids a positive space outside of school and sports.

It’s an added bonus that he’s passionate about drumming himself.

“It’s an outlet,” he said. “We just keep trying to keep pushing kids to do something great. And this is a great way for them to do it.”

Hawkins is a father of six, but jokes he’s a dad of 36, with the 30 current team members under his wing.

In the 20 years he’s ran the program, he expects he’s had about four cycles of kids who’ve aged out of the program and into adulthood. Some of them come back as mentors.

Right now, the Brooklyn Park program is young, with many of the kids still learning the basics.

“All of these kids are my kids,” Hawkins said. “Having new people means that I’m doing something right.”

Work and practice goes year-round.

The team practices at Zanewood Recreation Center twice a week. That adds up to just four hours of time, so Hawkins says it’s important the kids stay focused and work together. 

“Our motto is ‘discipline is essential,’” Hawkins said.

The kids show off their hard work in a variety of formats. Sometimes, it’s at competitions across the region.

Others performances take place at parades, and sometimes they even get to perform at Timberwolves games.

TKO Drumline members, along with Coach Hawkins, practice some of their routines early on in class.

On Their Feet

The kids Hawkins recruits don’t mind the push to stay disciplined.

One student, 15-year-old dance captain named Myauna Devine, joined TKO four years ago.

“You know, if you want to be considered the best you just got to put in the work,” Myauna said. “You have to show people that you deserve the title to be the best. It builds your character, it builds you as a person.”

She said she joined because it aligns with her future goals to attend and dance at a historically Black college or university. This combination of drum line and majorette-style dance originated at those HBCUs.

Myauna also said dance makes her feel like she has a talent to offer the world.

“I put my heart, sweat and tears all into it, but I feel free when I do it. I don’t feel judged — I feel very confident when I do it,” Myauna said. “Anybody should try it, because it built me. I gained more confidence, I gained more opportunities.”

Her fellow Knockout Dance teammate , 13-year-old Emmarie Rulford, said there are kids of all ages on her team, and she sees everyone’s hard work pay off.

“They do a lot for us. They’re great people,” Emmarie said about her coaches. “I love the people I’m around, I love the humor. I love what I do.”

Knockout Dance Team Captain Myauna Davis helps lead her teammates in a run through their routine.

Keeping Time

The drummers have a similar drive.

There are kids on all kinds of drums, from the tenor to the bass drum.

Larry Parker, 13, joined and started on cymbals. Eventually, he worked his way up to the sextuplets.

“The coach helps us a lot to get better,” Larry said.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Le’Mar Gatlin-Thompson plays the bass drum. He said he enjoys the competition and having fun with his teammates.

“It’s timing, the connection,” Le’Mar said.  “The connection’s got to be there at all times.” 

9-year-old Brycen O’Brien said his mom signed him up about a year ago, but it was probably because of clues he gave her.

“I used to just hit pans and stuff,” Brycen said. “My mom thought that I would like to do drumline. I would grab pencils and just start hitting the tables, and try to play drums.”

Now, he gets that energy out on the tenor drums. He works alongside a younger member of the group. Hawkins says those collaborations are essential to build the kids’ skills and bonds.

Hawkins practices part of the TKO routine with drummer Le’Mar Gatlin Thompson.

Built to Last

Hawkins said believes they’re set up to succeed largely because they teach each other, and because kids listen to their peers.

“I let them just get in line and learn by watching,” Hawkins said. “Once they catch on by watching, it’s easier to teach them.” 

He said he’s just happy to be along for the ride.

“Someone did it for me, so someone has to be there for the new generation of kids. So I’m that person,” Hawkins said.

TKO Drumline and Knockout Dance Team is funded by the families involved and the club’s donors. Hawkins said funding is always needed, and if you’re in a position to help, you can contact him through the TKO Facebook page. 

The group is still looking for new members. If you’re interested, you can sign up at Zanewood Recreation Center or contact the drumline at 612-715-2545.

Brooklyn Park

Friday night in Downtown Brooklyn and the newly opened Brooklyn Basketball Training Center is packed with kids practicing their skills.

The night NY1 dropped by, it was all about dribbling, passing and shooting.

“I dribbled with my right hand five times, then I put it through my legs,” said 10-year-old Naji Warlick.

“I do play during gym with my teacher, but I’m not that good,” 13-year-old Khloe Askew said. “I do make a couple shots.”

Brooklyn Basketball head coach Michael Collins runs the programming at the center.

He brings more than 15 years of experience to help grow the game he loves and help kids grow through the game.

“Making sure kids learn resilience through the game, really having to work at something and see incremental improvements over time definitely builds that resilience,” Collins said.

And this night’s clinic was made extra special thanks to a very special guest.

“He has so much aura, like I can feel the aura from so far away,” Askew said.

“Help me out, as an old person, what does that mean when you have so much aura?” NY1 asked.

“Aura is like when you walk in and they can feel like your coolness,” Askew said.

That coolness was emanating from Brooklyn Nets Center, Day’Ron Sharpe, who says he wishes he had a chance to play with the pros when he was a kid growing up in North Carolina.

“It was very rare, being from a rural area, [a] country town, to have this type of thing,” Sharpe said. “And just to see the access these kids have to have is special, I wanted to be a part of it.”

“You spend so much time watching NBA players on TV,” Collins said. “And so many times those kids grow up and you hear the stories about how they remember their first meeting with an NBA player and it invokes [a] sort of success within them, or some sort of confidence within them.”

And while Warlick may already have that confidence, he’ll surely be telling the story of his first interaction with an NBA player for years to come.

“I feel like I want to dunk on him cause, you know, he’s an NBA player — and I’m not, so I gotta dunk on him,” Warlick said.

Then he called Sharpe over and got the chance to take him one-on-one.

Afterwards, Sharpe said, “He’s got a lot of confidence, but I hope he puts in the work, too. He says he loves it, so hope he keeps working at it. Eventually, hopefully, when I’m 50 or something, I’ll see Naji on the court playing for the Brooklyn Nets one day, still talking smack.”

On December 11, 2025, leaders from the Special Olympics Early Childhood Development team successfully completed a 13-week Fellowship with the Georgetown University Thrive Center’s Innovation Hub. The Fellowship supports mission-driven innovations designed to strengthen the early childhood and education workforce through practical, human-centered solutions. Special Olympics was one of six organizations chosen in this competitive process, recognized for its commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

Throughout the 13 week program, Special Olympics collaborated closely with Georgetown faculty, local early childhood implementers, and national partners to deepen the impact and reach of the Young Athletes app—a free mobile app for families of children ages birth to seven. The app provides personalized, play-based activities tailored to each child’s development, evidence-based health information, and opportunities to connect with other families in their community. At a time when families of children with IDD may face significant challenges, including limited access to early intervention, long waitlists for services, and feelings of isolation, the Young Athletes app provides much needed support to families searching for practical, inclusive solutions that support development from the earliest moments and foster community connection. The Fellowship provided structured opportunities to continue improving the App’s reach and efficacy through rapid-cycle learning, market mapping, strategic visioning, and co-design with providers and families nationwide.

During the Fellowship, Special Olympics focused on building pathways to scale the Young Athletes app through early childhood and health systems. Key outputs included: creating a map of systems where families can seek support, developing an engagement framework with tailored messaging and onboarding strategies, piloting these approaches with select channels to refine tactics, and developing an implementation toolkit to socialize these changes with Special Olympics Programs. These steps position the app for broader, systems-level adoption and impact.

Following the Fellowship, Special Olympics will continue to expand partnerships with early childhood systems and programs at the state and national level to support growth and connection. The experience will also drive the ongoing innovation and evolution for the app, with planned enhancements including personalized health content and deeper integration with providers. Guided by family feedback and insights from the Fellowship, these continuous adaptations ensure the app remains a dynamic, inclusive tool that builds pathways for inclusion, empowers caregivers, and creates opportunities for every child to thrive.

To learn more and download the Young Athletes app, visit the Apple Store or Google Play.