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Donyell Marshall returns home to Reading, PA

There are those who say you can never come home, but if you are Donyell Marshall you will always be welcomed back with open arms in Reading, PA. Sometimes when a person returns to his roots, he goes back for personal reasons, to see old friends and family or to reconnect with his past Often times it’s to see where they came from and what made him who they are today.

But sometimes those with the means to ‘say more than just ’thanks’ go back to make a difference in their community, and on Sunday morning Sixers forward Donyell Marshall did just that.

The Reading native retuned the town where he grew up for one reason, and one reason alone: he wanted to give back. Marshall wanted to return the to the town and community that had the privilege of watching him evolve from a wiry gym rat into a top-caliber college player – one who parlayed his skills on the court to average 11.4 points over what’s become a 15-year NBA career.

Upon arriving at the TOYS”R”US, Marshall quickly let his happiness be known: “It’s such a dream for me to be back here (Reading) in general,” said Marshall through a smile. “And to be able to have a chance to make these children have a better holiday season is even better. I grew up here, I know these people. I mean, I just spent five minutes taking to a high school football teammate and we were cutting up. This was a special day.”

Hiding behind humility, Marshall failed to mention he provided each child from the Olivet Boys & Girls Club with a $100 gift card, bestowing not only a wonderful Christmas present, but also some newfound holiday hope. Marshall also distributed a bevy of gifts to celebrate the sprit of the season.

Marshall and the Sixers take to the court again at Boston on Tuesday night at 7:00 pm. The game can bee seen on CSN and will be heard on the radio.