For 15 years, the Mavs Foundation has collaborated with Buckner International during the team’s Season of Giving to supply Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
And the word is out!
Hours before this year’s Mavs Turkey Giveaway on Nov. 20, dozens of cars began to line the street adjacent to the Buckner Humanitarian Aid Center.
With help from an extensive team of volunteers, 300 turkeys were distributed in just two hours.
In addition to donating the frozen turkeys, Kroger supplied reusable bags stuffed with canned corn, green beans, pumpkin puree and cranberry, mashed potatoes, yams, mini marshmallows, and cake mix with frosting, ensuring every family has a full Thanksgiving table.
“I can think about when I was a little kid, I wasn’t in a very fortunate situation to have a lot of turkey, a lot of sides, a lot of food on the table, so now, to be able to give back, it means a lot to me,” said Dereck Lively II, who was among many Mavericks players volunteering.
Helping Lively load trunks and back seats at the drive-thru-style event were teammates Dwight Powell, Klay Thompson, Maxi Kleber and Quentin Grimes, plus Mavs legends Charlie Villanueva and Raymond Felton.
Off-season acquisition Grimes, who sported a very festive Thanksgiving hat throughout the event, was a first-time volunteer at the Mavs Turkey Giveaway.
“The Dallas area supports the Mavs through and through no matter what, so it was great being [at the giveaway],” Grimes said. “People have their phones out, their kids are out here, they want to get pictures…Seeing everybody drive up and put a smile on their faces, knowing that we’re helping out for the holidays and Thanksgiving, just warms your heart.”
Buckner Humanitarian Aid’s assistant director, Johnny Flowers, said that for the less privileged Buckner International families who benefit from the annual Mavs Turkey Giveaway, the “love and kindness” displayed at Wednesday’s event offers much more than just a full Thanksgiving table, it provides hope.
With 300 families served this Thanksgiving, the Mavs Foundation will march forward in its Season of Giving alongside the entire NBA to make a difference during the holidays.
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