A friendly game on the basketball court turned into a slam dunk for 15 local youths who received brand new shoes, courtesy of the CSUSB University Police Department.

The CSUSB officers presented the youngsters with the new footwear at the Rudy C. Hernandez Center in downtown San Bernardino.

It all began with a friendly game on June 30 arranged by Hernandez Center staff. The officers played with a group of kids who regularly meet at the center to play ball on Fridays.

Among the officers who participated were Eddie McCloud and Manuel Aguirre, Sgt. Rocky Johnson and Lt. Anthony Vega.

While the two teams were playing, the officers noticed the kids were in need of new shoes, McCloud said. Shortly after, the officers banded together to raise money to buy all of the kids new basketball shoes.

“When the department found out what we were doing the donations just poured in!” McCloud said. Altogether, the CSUSB University Police officers purchased 15 pairs of Nike shoes, enough for everyone in the group, which includes kids ranging in age from 8 to 17.

“Thank you for allowing us to participate in this event; it impacted our lives and we hope it impacts the lives of the kids involved,” McCloud said.

“I am proud of what the officers did, it shows their commitment to serving our community,” said CSUSB University Police Chief Nina Jamsen.

See also the CBS Los Angeles video report online at “CSUSB Officers New Shoes Donation.”

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication and visit news.csusb.edu.