Libertyville basketball players get a lesson in charity

The boys in the Libertyville J-Cats recreational basketball league work hard to perfect their passing, dribbling and shooting skills.

But coach Scott Schwerman is teaching the guys something more than the fundamentals of the game.

The Libertyville man has been connecting the middle school-aged boys with residents at Winchester House in Libertyville in recent weeks. The guys have been playing bingo, and paling around with the residents. The teams also held a fundraiser and used the money to purchase two large TVs and a DVD player for the Alzheimer's floor.

Schwerman feels it's important for the boys to see needs beyond their own.

"We've been trying to teach them there is a lot more to life than basketball and other sports," he said. "We live in a great community and have many things. They need to learn that giving something back to the community is important."

Nearly 20 players gave up a couple of Friday nights recently to play bingo with nursing home residents. Schwerman said the boys were tentative at first.

"This is out of their comfort zone and they really were not sure what to do or what to expect," he said. "But the longer we were there, the guys got into conversations with the residents and really enjoyed being with them and vice versa."

Winchester House director of activities Mary Purnell said the seniors love being with young people. It's not uncommon for residents in the county-run facility to go for days or weeks without visits from family members. So when kids drop in, it's a special time, she said.

"I've really enjoyed working with Scott and the team members," Purnell said. "He is a great example of a community minded-leader and a wonderful role model for young men."

Schwerman said the J-Cats started about 15 years ago and have about 80 players. The fifth through eighth graders play from January to March. The recreational league serves as a feeder system to local high schools.

The boys also invited the seniors to watch one of their games recently at Libertyville High School.

"It was great to see how excited some of the seniors were to be at the game," he said. "It brought back great memories for some of the men. They just loved being there."

Team members held a "spare change" fundraiser and collected nearly $2,000 for the purchase of two flat screen TVs and a DVD player that will be presented to the home next week.

It can be awkward for preteen kids to hang out with folks in their 80s and beyond. But Schwerman said once the kids push past the tension, there is a payoff.

"The kids are doing something that doesn't come naturally," he said. "But once they get there, they rise to the occasion. We are hoping this lays a foundation for the future, and service will become a lifestyle for them."