HEAT players and Head Coach Stan Van Gundy kicked off a special holiday season for residents in Overtown on Monday, as the group personally delivered Thanksgiving turkeys and the traditional holiday trimmings to Overtown residents as part of the HEAT’s annual Thanksgiving In Overtown Celebration.

“I think that as an organization, the HEAT should be grateful that we are in a position to come out to help others enjoy their holiday a little bit more,” said Van Gundy. “Events like this are great for all of us to be involved with.”

Presented by Humana, the event, which included visits from the HEAT Dancers, Burnie the HEAT mascot and the HEAT Xtreme Team, reached out to a total of 1,000 underprivileged families, who were pre-selected by the City of Miami Overtown Net Office.

“It brings a lot of spirit to the community, especially to the children,” said Overtown resident Kerline Wilson, right after HEAT swingman Lamar Odom delivered a Thanksgiving package to her and her five sons. “When the Miami HEAT comes to visit, to show their love and compassion, it inspires the children here, let’s them know they are somebody.”

Humana volunteers, HEAT front office staff and HEAT Premium Seat Ticket Holders also came out to help, while Levy Cares, the charitable arm of Levy Restaurants, catered 100 additional hot Thanksgiving meals to those in the neighborhood.

“Being my first year in Miami, I really enjoy getting involved in these community outreach events,” said HEAT rookie Dwyane Wade. “This is an important time of the year for all of us to come out here as one, together giving back to those less fortunate than us during the holiday season.”