How a Peoria basketball coach gives back to St. Jude Children’s Hospital every year

PEORIA (25News Now) – A retired basketball coach and Peoria native is giving back to those in need at St. Jude Children’s Hospital while doing what he loves most.

Former Peoria Notre Dame High School Head Basketball Coach Jim Carlson has been raising money for St Jude for 32 years. He said he loves to give back and help others.

Over the weekend, 150 kids will be dribbling, passing, and shooting at the annual Camp Carlson. The camp was started in 1992 by its namesake, Coach Carlson.

When he left his position as head coach, he wanted to find ways to continue his passion.

“I decided I wanted to keep doing something for basketball,” Carlson said.

He started a camp to teach children basic skills of basketball while raising money for the hospital. It became his goal to raise $10,000 every year.

“They were helping kids who were sick. I knew some families, who had children who were patients of St. Jude, so I thought, ‘let’s have a basketball camp,’“ Carlson said.

Since Carlson started the basketball camp, he has impacted many children, even entire generations of families.

“I have many kids whose parents came here when they were in second, third, fourth grade. They became volunteer coaches at my camp, and now their children are attending camp,” he said.

Those children include Carlson’s daughter Betsy and his granddaughter Elliot.

“I think my dad has done an amazing job with this camp for 32 years. He is committed to help others,” Betsy said.

Current campers are learning and having fun.

“I came for a lot of years, and it’s a really fun camp to be at,” said camper Phillip Lamb.

“It’s very fun and I love it,” said Saybella Smith, who is also attending the camp.

You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.

Copyright 2024 WEEK. All rights reserved.