NEW YORK, January 8, 2007 -- The New York Knicks and the Garden of Dreams Foundation have tipped off their “Week of Giving” at the Childrens’ Aid Society’s Dunleavy Milbank Center in Harlem. And the fact is that a better, happier, more appropriate place would have been impossible to find for such a heartfelt endeavor.

“As soon as a child comes here, we get involved with the entire family -- and the family gets involved with us,” said Assistant Director Caspar Lassiter. “Thus we have become kind of a one-stop-shop for social services in the community.”

And what a one-stop-shop it is! From its huge gym, to the beautiful swimming pool, to magically removable walls, all the way to state-of-the-art computer room and music recording studio, Dunleavy Milbank has everything. Which might explain why the 200-plus children attending this event were singing and dancing literally throughout the afternoon, smart, cute, and about as excited and happy as kids can be.

And that was even before Jared Jeffries, Nate Robinson, John Starks, and the Knicks City Dancers showed up.

“This is a chance to give back -- and get to know the City at the same time,” said Jeffries. “I’m still new here, so it’s very exciting to get together with the community. Believe me, children in need are the same in Indiana, Washington, D.C., or New York. They need attention and positive reinforcement. They need to know that someone cares about them. So it’s a great thing to be able to hang out with these kids and provide some of that caring and love.”

“A lot of good people care about you guys,” Starks told the children. “That’s why they come here to visit you, that’s why give of their time and money, because you are wonderful kids.”

And basketball-savvy, too -- well, kind of. “John Starks is my favorite Knicks player of all time,” 11 year-old Justin Addison said. “Because he dunked over Michael Jackson.”

Six year-old Joyanne informed everyone within hearing distance “I go to ALL the Knick games. By myself-- I leave Mommy at home.” Her first-grade table-mates were inquiring “Is Allan Houston still with the team?” and “Can any of the Knicks dunk?”

Then the REAL question and answer period began. To Starks: “Did you REALLY dunk over Michael Jordan?” “Well, yes -- and we have the pictures to prove it,” John smiled. To Jeffries: “Why did you come to visit us?” “Because you are special,” said Jared. “We heard you are all great kids and you work very hard.” To Nate the Great: “How did you manage to win the All Star Game dunk contest? Was it hard? Were you nervous?” Nate: “It was all about hard work and practice. I was prepared -- so I wasn’t nervous at all.”

Suddenly the wall miraculously opened up, revealing an enormous City Harvest truck full of food. The kids, the players, and the dancers then formed a human chain, transferring the food from the truck to the Center’s pantry. All the while some very cool music was playing, inspiring one impromptu dance contest after another. “Chicken Noodle Soup”, appropriately enough for the occasion, was a particular favorite.

Jeffries, Robinson, and Starks then donned huge chef hats and began serving a wonderful meal of chicken, losagna, rice, and veggies to the kids. Once everyone was full, the players took pictures, signed autographs, and handed out goodie bags full of Knicks hats, tee shirts, pencils, folders, head and wrist-bands, and key chains to one and all.

“I got cool stuff,” Joyanne informed her friend Shakira. “I got cooler stuff,” retorted Shakira. “I got Michael Jordan’s head band,” related seven year-old Joseph (no relation) Jordan. “I AM Michael Jordan,” replied his not-to-be-topped best bud Roberto Hudson.

Before Starks could dunk on Roberto, the afternoon drew to a close. “This was awesome,” decided Mr. Jordan, totally enveloped in Knicks stuff on his head, back, and both wrists. “The best part was hanging out with the players. But the food was real yummy, too.”