During his days at Ole Miss, former Rebel KD Hill was a regular sight at Oxford Housing Authority neighborhoods, spending time with the kids, tossing footballs and chatting about life.

Since forming his charitable foundation, the KD Hill Foundation, he continues to host regular events for families who live in the Oxford Housing Authority apartment complexes.

It was at one of those events where he met Stewart Rutledge, the developer of Belle Rivers, Owens Place and Eastover and the two decided to host a joint event at Belle Rivers on Friday where residents from the three neighborhoods were welcome to stop by the community building, enjoy some free hot chocolate and children were invited to pick out a board game or from a variety of basketballs, soccer balls and more.

“I know KD does a lot with Oxford Housing Authority and we have about 150 families here and we wanted to do something to make their Christmas a little brighter and help KD fulfill the mission of his foundation,” Rutledge said.

Officially launched as a 501c3 organization, The KD Hill Foundation aims to help and support communities across the United States, and eventually the world. Hill wants to support and be hands-on with the youth, single mothers, as well as the homeless.

While Hill now lives in Alabama, he often returns to Oxford to hold events like Kid’s Day at Avent Park and a special Thanksgiving Dinner.

“Why sow seeds and then stop watering them? Got to keep watering them for them to grow,” he said.