DALLAS — Thanksgiving is one week away and Dirk Nowitzki spent the morning handing out food to families in Dallas at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center.
Dozens of volunteers showed up in support of the event, including Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Jermaine Gaspard who shared, “It means love and community. It boils down to community.”
Another of those volunteers, Texas State Senator Royce West, added, “When you think about it, I’ve been doing this four or five years with Dirk. We have more volunteers this year than we’ve ever had!”
HEB was the lead sponsor for the food pantry. Executive Vice President for the grocery chain, Juan-Carlos Ruck, told WFAA, “They are absolutely getting a full trunk as they leave through here. Obviously, they’re going to get the holiday trimmings that we all think about, the turkey and the stuffing. They’re also getting the essentials. The bread, potatoes, cereal bars.”
Every car was also handed a $50 gift card to HEB as well.
People like Avaline Price were comforted by the gesture, saying, “It’s a blessing to share.”
When asked how much her family needed the donation it received, Vickie Milam took a deep breath and said, “It’s a necessity at this time, it is and I think that deepens our appreciation. In this day and time when our world is divided in so many directions and everyone has their stance, at some point we’re all supposed to stand together.”
The Mavs legend and hall of fame player, Nowitzki told attendees for him and his foundation, “We’re thrilled to make this happen around the holiday time, hopefully give some joy and some relief to the families here.”
Milam made it a point to end, “Every time I check the turkey or bake a pie, I will think of this day and everyone that’s involved.”
Meal boxes were delivered to older adults in the neighborhood, in addition to some special distributions at Roosevelt High School and Kiest Park Recreation Center.