A team of UO athletes took on the role of cheer bringers Christmas week with a visit to a Portland center that provides a caring home for people in need.

More than a half-dozen athletes from a range of teams traveled to the Macdonald Center, which helps people dealing with poverty, mental health problems or addiction. They brought bags of goodies donated by the Duck Store, Nike and others.

“It’s a really tight-knit community the Macdonald Center has created, for so many less-fortunate people,” said John Nizich, a men’s track and field athlete and Portland native. “That was pretty special for me.”

For the full story, see “Ducks help spread cheer with Portland’s Macdonald Center” on goducks.com.