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BOSTON – Upon arriving in the city of Boston last season, the Stevens family was instantly committed to supporting the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) and the organization’s ongoing efforts to end hunger.
According to GBFB, one in nine members of the greater Boston community does not know where their next meal will come from. Being the largest hunger-relief agency in New England, the GBFB distributes more than 48 million pounds of food each year to help provide nutritious meals to almost a half of million people annually.
Through a generous donation from the Stevens family to the GBFB, 200 families received the essential fixings of a Thanksgiving meal Tuesday evening. In addition to turkey and chicken, each family received an assortment of fresh produce, stuffing, gravy, dinner rolls and, of course, pie.
Together with the assistance of Boston Celtics coaching staff and front office employees, the Stevens family geared up to volunteer at the assembly line operation setup for families to shop through.
Table by table, families were able to gather desired grocery items along with a few delicious recipes.
Also in attendance was Celtics rookie Dwight Powell, who volunteered to man the turnips table.
“To be able to give back,” he said, “especially this time of year, to families that may need the extra help is great. Glad to be a part of it.”
Taking a break in the action, coach Brad Stevens reflected on why he and his family are committed to do their part to fight against hunger.
“One of the reasons I have taken an interest in it is I have watched young men that don’t always have access to three meals a day,” Stevens explained. “And I’ve seen when they get a chance to improve their nutrition, based off what is available, they thrive.
“I think hunger is the root of a lot of things and making sure as a community we give everyone an opportunity to have access is important.”
Often the Celtics speak on the tenet of Celtics pride to describe their champion legacy. Looking around Tuesday evening at the GBFB, it was apparent that Celtics pride was ringing true this holiday season as a solid team effort brought healthy meals to families that might not otherwise have shared a meal together this Thanksgiving.
Head Coach Brad Stevens and his wife give back to those in need during the holiday season by supplying 200 families with Turkey dinners.