The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers were dishing out assists before either team even took the court at the Cintas Center on Wednesday. Before their respective teams faced off in preseason action on the campus of Xavier University, volunteers from the two organizations spent the afternoon at the Freestore Foodbank, working with Feed the Children to provide food and hygiene products to local Cincinnatians.
Freestore Foodbank pre-selected 400 families in need, who each received a box of food and a box of basic essentials, as well as some fun Cavs and Pacers items. Among those helping with the distribution were Cavs television sideline reporter Allie Clifton and radio broadcasters John Michael and Jim Chones. They were joined by Pacers broadcasters Quinn Buckner, Chris Denari and Jeremiah Johnson, as well as former Indiana player Darnell Hillman.
As part of the NBA’s Hoops for Troops “Commitment to Service” initiative, local military personnel also volunteered to lend a helping hand. The Cavs and Pacers were joined by members of the Ohio National Guard from Woodlawn (216 Engineers), Columbus (371st Sustainment Brigade) and Hamilton (2-107th Cavalry). The guardsmen were also guests of the teams at the game Wednesday night.
The many youngsters passing through Freestore Foodbank were more than delighted by the shenanigans of Cavs mascot Sir C.C. and Pacers mascot Boomer.
About Feed the Children
Feed the Children believes that they should create a world where no child goes to bed hungry. Just as important, they believe they can. Since 1979, Feed the Children has grown into one of the largest U.S. based charities. They are accredited by GuideStar Exchange and the BBB Wise giving Alliance and have a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. By banding together to defeat hunger, Feed the Children distributed over $344 million in food, essentials, educational supplies, and medicine to over 10 million individuals in the United States and 18 other countries in fiscal year 2013. Visit www.feedthechildren.org for more information.
About Hoops for Troops
The NBA has a long history of honoring and working with our nation’s military through our
NBA Cares Hoops for Troops Program. As part of the program, the league has joined together
with the Department of Defense on a new “Commitment to Service” initiative built upon
four pillars: Leadership, Transition, Community and Health. Through this first-of-its-kind
program, NBA teams and members of the military will work together on panels,
workshops, service projects and clinics that make a difference in our communities and
hopefully inspire others to give back as well.