Obi Toppin and CareSource Bring Holiday Cheer to Elementary School In Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (CARESOURCE) - So how did Indiana Pacers power forward Obi Toppin spend a rare off-night the week before Christmas in Indianapolis? He brought festive holiday spirit directly to students and parents at a local Indianapolis Elementary school.

“Tonight was an amazing night for me,” said Toppin after speaking with children and families from Brook Park Elementary School in Lawrence, Indiana. “Because of CareSource, I had the opportunity to meet with children and parents from Brook Park and share with them the benefits of creating healthy habits, valuable life lessons and the importance of staying active.”

Toppin, CareSource and the Pacers gifted Kroger vouchers for every family at the school. Ensuring everyone had a delicious holiday meal was just the start because each child was also gifted warm winter apparel to promote outdoor play during the upcoming winter months.

“You could tell the moment Obi entered the gymnasium how the kids were so engaged in everything he had to say about taking care of himself off the court,” said CareSource Indiana Market President Steve Smitherman. “The people here enjoyed listening to his answers to a wide variety of questions,” said a smiling Smitherman. “Obi handled everything so gracefully. I think his words will make a lasting impression on the children who were here.”

More than just a day of fun and games, Toppin’s visit left a lasting impression on the Brook Park Elementary community. Toppin’s genuine interaction with the students, his inspiring message about healthy living and his generous acts of kindness served as a reminder that the holiday spirit extends far beyond presents and ornaments.

“The children were all so engaged, asking me questions about life and about how I choose to stay active so that I can be at my very best each time I take to the court,” said Toppin. “The best part for me was getting to meet the kids, sharing with them words of encouragement and reminding them they too can accomplish their dreams by working hard.”