“Our biggest gift to give is love,” said Thunder forward Kevin Durant on Monday as he watched the manifestation of that gift happening right in front of him.
On a Thunder-themed court at the City Rescue Mission in downtown Oklahoma City, the Thunder organization continued its tradition. For the seventh-straight year, players and staff served Thanksgiving dinner to homeless children and citizens who stay at the mission.
As a part of the Thunder’s seventh-annual Holiday Assist program, presented by Cox, the organization dedicates it’s time to give back to those in need in the local community. Head Coach Scott Brooks, who has participated in this Thanksgiving dinner every single year, and a Thunder leader like Durant both recognize the special and unique nature of Monday’s event.
“It’s a great honor for the Thunder to be partners with the City Rescue Mission,” Brooks said. “They do a fabulous job with the people who are homeless and who need a helping hand. Any time our players can get involved and our organization can get involved, we do it.”
“It’s cool to have the tables turned a little bit and to serve other people,” Durant said. “That’s what our organization is all about, from top to bottom. Everybody is willing to serve.”
Families and individuals who stay at the City Rescue Mission for short and long periods of time alike first had the chance to eat a Thanksgiving meal that was plated and served by Thunder players and staff, then chat with them at their table. Afterwards, the children got to play basketball with the players, do art projects with Thunder Girls and staffers and interact with Rumble.
The event makes for one special night each year, but the president of the City Rescue Mission, Tom Jones, knows that the experience will be felt for days, weeks and months to come. More than anything, the people at the mission need to feel that love that Durant mentioned and to know that people care about them.
“Homeless people in general feel invisible,” Jones explained. “They’re human beings and they’re facing hard times.”
“Every year, we have a different group of children, but every child that lives at the homeless shelter is facing the reality that they have nowhere to go,” Jones continued.
As Thunder players and staff met with the people there throughout the evening, it was clear that those going through trying times were able to forget their troubles for a bit and simply enjoy a nice meal with one another. One gentleman named Alvin was just finishing up his meal that had been served to him by Thunder forward Perry Jones, and was bubbling over with excitement about the evening.
“I’m excited,” Alvin said. “This is live. I appreciate them coming to serve the food to me and show appreciation for us being Thunder fans.”
“I enjoy this moment,” he continued. “I’ll remember this for a lifetime. I appreciate it. I’m going to tell my grandkids about this.”
The City Rescue Mission is one of the most important places that Oklahoma City’s less fortunate can find shelter and get back on their feet. From speaking with local citizens who utilize the resources the Mission affords, it is clear that it can be a life-changing experience thanks to the staff and volunteers who help make the Mission an effective source of support.
On Monday, Thunder players had the opportunity to join in and aid the efforts of those who dedicate their time to those in need on a daily basis. By simply serving a meal, playing basketball with kids and chatting with those enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner, Thunder players and staff tried to make clear their feeling that every person in the Oklahoma City community matters.
“For anybody, the situation could flip-flop,” Reggie Jackson explained. “We understand that we’re blessed to wake up each and every day where we are.”
“Everyone is important,” Russell Westbrook said. “It’s important for us as a team and myself to be able to give back and let people know that.”