Brandon Ingram has never forgotten the small North Carolina town that raised him. Through his family foundation, the quiet All-Star keeps showing up for the children and families of Kinston, putting school supplies, shoes and opportunity directly into their hands.
The Brandon Ingram Foundation
Ingram's foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and services for underprivileged youth in his hometown of Kinston. It is a family effort, with his father Donald helping to run the foundation and organize its giveaways on the ground.
Backpacks for Kinston Kids
Before his second NBA season, Ingram returned home to hand out backpacks and school supplies to hundreds of children in Kinston as the school year approached. He described it simply as something that came from his heart, a chance to do something positive for the community that made him.
More Than 750 Students Supplied
The next summer the giveaway grew. Teaming up with sponsors including Adidas, American Eagle, Walgreens and Staples, the Ingram family provided over 750 kids with backpacks filled with gift cards, pencils, paper and pens. Some children also received Adidas shoes, and teachers were given supplies for their classrooms.
Shoes for Healthcare Workers
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ingram family turned its gratitude toward the people caring for Kinston, giving away shoes to healthcare workers across the town. It was the family's way of thanking the nurses and medical staff who carried the community through a frightening year.
Being the Blueprint
Kinston is famous for producing NBA players at a remarkable per-capita rate, and Ingram grew up watching players like Jerry Stackhouse and Reggie Bullock come back and give. He speaks often about knowing that hundreds of local kids are watching his every move, and about wanting to be the same kind of blueprint for them.
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