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GU basketball teams start clothing drive to help family displaced by fire

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Gallaudet University men's and women's basketball teams are asking for clothing donations from the campus community to help one of its own. A house fire in Helena, Ohio, last week tragically took the life of Kelly Preston the sister of Gallaudet women's basketball coach Kevin Cook. Preston leaves behind a 16-year-old daughter and a 3-month-old grandson.

The GU basketball players will be collecting clothing for the next week for the Preston family and will ship the donations out on December 23.

"We are hoping the University community can help us support one of our own after this tragic event," said Gallaudet men's basketball coach Jeb Barber. "We want to help Kevin and his family in this time of need. We thank everybody in advance for their donations and support."

The infant needs clothes in the size of 3-month to 12-month and the 16-year-old girl wears medium shirts and 7 to 9 size pants. Both also need other necessities such as jackets, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, etc. to help them through the winter season. In lieu of cash donations, gift cards to Baby 'R Us will also be accepted to help the family out.

All donations can be dropped off to the Gallaudet University Athletics Department Offices in the Field House, Room number 144. The deadline to make your donation is Wednesday, December 23. Any questions about the clothing drive should e-mail jeb.barber@gallaudet.edu.