In an effort to lift the spirits of those who have suffered hardships due to Hurricane Charley, the Miami HEAT traveled to the West Coast of Florida on Thursday, August 19 to spend time with those affected by the tragedy. HEAT players Malik Allen, Dorell Wright and Udonis Haslem, a Florida native, joined Burnie the HEAT mascot, the HEAT Dancers, the Xtreme Team and Sam Tidwell, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and The Keys, as they visited the West Coast.

The group departed via van from the AmericanAirlines Arena and then ventured to Arcadia, Florida to visit Desoto Middle School, which is functioning as a Red Cross shelter for people whose homes were damaged by the hurricane. At the shelter, the group signed autographs and gave out mini basketball hoops, t-shirts and hats. The Xtreme team also put on a dunk show. The shelter is maintained by American Red Cross volunteers from the Miami area.

“These people have been through so much,” said HEAT forward Malik Allen. “It’s nice to be able to go out and try to take their minds off of the things they are going through. It’s also important to thank the volunteers for their hard work.”

HEAT guard Eddie Jones, who was unable to make the trip to the West Coast, has pledged to donate money to the American Red Cross to aide the Hurricane Charley relief efforts.