Basketball: Breakers give families a break

Finn Delany, Coach Dean Vickerman, Charles Jackson and Alex Pledger, swapped the practice court for a special mission to deliver some Xmas cheer. Photo / Michael Craig

The New Zealand Breakers have helped slam dunk the Christmas blues for Kiwi families in need.

Stars of the Australian National Basketball League champions' squad, including Mika Vukona and, pictured above from left, Finn Delany, coach Dean Vickerman, Charles Jackson and Alex Pledger, swapped the practice court on Thursday on a special mission to deliver some Christmas cheer.

The group wrapped 1200 presents to be distributed by the Salvation Army's Waitakere ministry.

The hoop stars also hand-delivered some early presents to six families at the ministry's Henderson headquarters, as well as showcasing some of the skills that helped the Breakers to the 2015 ANBL title.

Breakers forward Delany said it was great to be able to give back to the community.

"We're stoked to be here, to give a bit of a boost to a few families that need it."

The presents wrapped by the Breakers will be delivered to many families who otherwise would miss out on some special joy next Friday.

In the lead-up to Christmas the Salvation Army has recorded a spike in the number of families needing assistance.