This afternoon, Valley-based Helping Hands for Single Moms honored Angel Morris, mother of Suns’ forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris, with their annual “My Mom, My Hero” award. Angel Morris received the award during the non-profit’s third annual Holiday Happiness event at the Phoenix Airport Marriott.
Angel Morris was selected for her commitment to raising her sons to become community leaders, specifically to single-mother families dealing with the same challenges the Morris family did. Prior to the award presentation, Marcus and Markieff Morris spoke to 60 single mothers in attendance about growing up in a single-parent household and the support their mother provided to them and their siblings.
During his three seasons with the Suns, Markieff Morris has dedicated numerous hours to Helping Hands for Single Moms, with a focus on the holiday season. Following a trade from the Houston Rockets last season, his twin brother, Marcus, joined the efforts. Most recently, Markieff and Marcus provided 25 families from the local non-profit with pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinners. Angel joined her sons to assist with the event.
“It’s really important for us to give back because we know how hard it is for single moms to raise kids on their own,” said Markieff Morris, Suns forward. “Our mom did her best to provide for us growing up. Now it’s our turn to take what she taught us and help single mothers in need.”
The Morris’ Thanksgiving event with Helping Hands for Single Moms tipped off the Phoenix Suns “Season of Giving,” a series of community events and projects designed to spread cheer throughout the Valley this holiday season. During the campaign, Suns players, coaches, alumni and staff will serve the community by offering support to Valley children, families and those in need. As the first professional sports team in Arizona, supporting the community has always been part of the Phoenix Suns game plan.