Chicago Bull Jevon Carter continues to spread cheer throughout the season of giving.
Last week, he delivered 250 coats to students at a local elementary school. This past weekend, he helped 10 families prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday with a grocery shopping trip to Jewel-Osco.
For some Chicagoland families, the holidays can be more of a financial burden than a joyful season - a time when extra support is essential. The Bulls, Jewel-Osco and Jevon Carter’s Treadmill Mentality Foundation partnered with Featherfist, a non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness in Chicago, to identify families in need. Each family received a $500 gift card to Jewel-Osco.
Jevon Carter helps 10 local Chicago families with a $500 grocery shopping trip
“Our goal was to help families in need and minimize their worry or stress throughout the rest of the year and holiday season,” said Carter. “Growing up in Chicago, it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of – coming back to play for the Bulls and now being in a position where I can give back and show them that there's someone that looks just like them and encourage them to keep dreaming. I love being able to give back to the community and connecting with the families.”
Carter connected with each family while bagging groceries, helped families pick out their items and even surprised each family with an additional Jewel-Osco gift card, furthering their commitment to offering community support beyond this event.
Featherfist has been working to end homelessness in Chicago since 1984. Featherfist assists homeless individuals, veterans, families and others in need in discovering the “power & purpose” to change their lives. Through resources such as stable housing, case management, training and connection to benefits, Featherfirst guides those in need toward self-sufficiency.
Together, Featherfist, the Treadmill Mentality Foundation, the Bulls and Jewel-Osco believe in community investment by providing those in need with access to more resources and opportunities that encourage a safe space for all. Providing families with a shopping trip in preparation for the holidays allows them to spend time together without worrying about where their next meal is coming from. The program aligns with the Chicago Bulls ongoing commitment to preventing community violence through education, community investment, health and wellness and opportunity access.