Dallas Mavericks serving up hope for families in need

By Anthony Council
Multi-media Correspondent

The Dallas Mavericks served generously and with care at the Season of Giving Turkey Giveaway on Wednesday, partnering with Buckner International and Kroger to help out families for the holidays.

Some Mavericks players, including Derick Lively, Klay Thompson, and Dwight Powell, distributed turkeys and bags of goodies for families during a drive-by pickup for the holidays.

More than300 cars were wrapped around Buckner Humanitarian Aid Center to have a chance to see the Mavericks and have joy in their vehicles. 

Mavericks center Dereck Lively, who sported a turkey hat on his head, shared how great it feels to give back during this time of year. “I can think about when I was a little kid. I wasn’t in a very fortunate situation to have a lot of turkey or sides.

“To now be able to give back, you know, it means a lot to me to make a difference in somebody’s day.”

This event was another milestone for Kroger and Buckner International’s longstanding partnership with the Mavericks.  John Votava, director of corporate affairs in the Dallas region,  talked about how great the event has  been for six years. 

“Kroger is feeding the human spirit in our communities,” he said. “We do that through our zero hunger, zero waste social and environmental impact plan. We want to end hunger in our communities.”

This initiative underscores Kroger’s commitment to nourishing families and reducing waste across the country, reflecting its mission to create lasting change in the communities it serves. 

 Reverend Johnny Flowers, the assistant director of Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid of Buckner International, who has been involved since 2009, described the time with the Mavs and families as a sign of hope in challenging times.

“It is such an amazing event for the families, for the community, and it provides that hope that so many people are falling short of during this difficult season,” he shared, as he highlighted some of the unique moments and energy the Mavericks brought.  

 “The Mavericks players and the ManiAACs, the personalities—they were into it. The guests were into it. And just being that personal, it makes a huge difference.”

He continued,  “And after all, we know the Word of God tells us, With loving-kindness have I drawn thee, and today they displayed that loving-kindness and just made Thanksgiving that much more special.”