Community Outreach: Seasonal Programs

Grizzlies Canned Food Drives

Twice during the season, the Grizzlies and ACH Food Companies, Inc. partner to help secure donations of funds and nonperishable food items for the Mid-South Food Bank. At select games, fans who make a donation will receive a special ticket offer to a future Grizzlies home game. Check grizzlies.com in the Fall for details on future collection dates. More Info.

Holiday Player Visits

Grizzlies players and coaches take time from their busy on-court schedule to spread cheer to children and families at area hospitals and youth centers during the holiday season. In November, Steven Hunter brought Thanksgiving groceries to the students at St. Patrick’s Learning Center and in December several players visited with patients at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center. Photos | Video.

Memphis Grizzlies Holiday Toy Drive

Each December, Grizzlies players and coaches participate in the team’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive to benefit MIFA’s Holiday Hope Chest. Fans who donate new, unwrapped toys have the chance to meet and receive autographs from the entire team and coaching staff. All toys collected are provided to children who would not have the opportunity to receive them otherwise. Check grizzlies.com in the Fall for details on next season’s toy drive. Full Story | Photos.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

The Grizzlies celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting the MLK Day Game and Celebration each January. The Celebration, presented by the Grizzlies, the National Civil Rights Museum and The City of Memphis and Shelby County, includes the MLK, Jr. Day High School Classic basketball game and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Sports Legacy Symposium presented by the Hyde Family Foundations, which feature the recipients of the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award. Recipients have included Oscar Robertson, Alonzo Mourning, Julius Erving, David Robinson, Dikembe Mutombo and Bill Russell. Full Story | Photos.

Samaritan’s Feet Shoe Drive

The Grizzlies have partnered with Samaritan’s Feet the past two seasons to provide shoes and raise money for youth from the Mid-South and the Darfur/Sudan region in Africa. O.J. Mayo and Hasheem Thabeet donated and distributed 100 pairs of athletic shoes to children in the Refugee Empowerment Program this past January. Full Story | Photos | Video.

Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the Grizzlies honor local leaders and organizations that have made a difference for African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis. At each home game in February, the Grizzlies host special on-court presentations for the honorees and award each with a recognition gift for their achievements. Video.

Grizzlies Go Green

In an effort to raise awareness on the important topic of environmental consciousness, the Grizzlies host several “green” events throughout the season. The Grizzlies have taken part in the NBA’s Green Week initiative by hosting the Tour de Grizz, a pregame bike ride to FedExForum to promote alternative forms of transportation, as well as the Grizzlies Go Green Game each spring, where fans have the opportunity to visit an environmental expo and learn tips on how to become more eco-friendly. Grizzlies staff and players have also taken part in an environmentally friendly build project, downtown clean-up day, and tree planting event with local students. Go Green Game | Tour de Grizz | Photos: Downtown Cleanup| Photos: Tree Planting Event | Tree Planting Event video | Go Green Tips.

Grizzlies’ Employees in the Community

Whether it’s speaking at an event or lending a hand in making the city we call home a better place, Grizzlies’ employees are always willing to team up and help make a difference in Memphis. Learn more about our staff's community involvement.