Justin St. Ours | Daily Press The Gladstone girls’ varsity basketball team poses for a picture with students from Cameron Elementary School before its annual tradition of reading to them Thursday in Gladstone.

GLADSTONE — The Gladstone girls’ varsity basketball team made an annual holiday trip Thursday. The Braves took the time to honor what has become a tradition and visit Cameron Elementary School to read Christmas stories to the students.

“This is our third year doing it,” Braves’ coach Andy Cretens said. “(The school) originally contacted us to see if it was something we’d like to do, and if we’d be interested.”

Cretens felt that the opportunity to give back to the community was a good one to embrace.

“We always want to give back to the community when we can,” he said. “They do so much to support us that we like to try to give back.”

Gladstone senior guard Andie Balenger has participated in this trip for three years.

“I’ve been doing it ever since I’ve been on varsity — so three years now,” she said. “It’s sweet seeing all the kids. (It’s also fun) checking out the old Christmas books that we used to read. It’s nice.

“They’re always excited to see us, which makes me happy. I like seeing them all smiling. It’s just nice to get into the Christmas spirit.”

Cretens feels the enjoyment from the team after the readings is obvious.

“The girls enjoy doing it every year,” he said. “It’s also a very cool experience for them and the kids.”