OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma City Thunder are teaming up with the Thunder Community Foundation, Homeland and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages to provide meal kits and resources to local families experiencing food insecurity.
Hundreds of meal kits will be given out in the coming days through the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Tinker Food Pantry, Diversion Hub, and the United Way of Central Oklahoma.
The effort comes apart as part of the Thunder’s annual Holiday Assist giving tradition, now in its 18th year. Additionally, the Thunder will provide holiday meals for hundreds more Oklahomans.
Through the Holiday Assist initiative, nearly three dozen scheduled events will take place in November and December. Those events range from serving holiday meals, providing groceries, distributing resources to nonprofits, shopping sprees and more.
“We’re honored to stand alongside our partners in supporting families across Oklahoma,” said Erin Oldfield, vice president of Community Engagement. “As we activate our 18th annual Holiday Assist tradition, we’re reminded that community connection has been at the core of our mission since our team’s inception in 2008. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help meet needs, share joy, and make a meaningful impact together.”
Events scheduled for November include a meal served by the full Thunder roster to clients of City Rescue Mission, and a fall carnival at the Boys of Girls Club of Oklahoma County hosted by the Oklahoma City Blue roster.
Additional Thanksgiving-themed events and food giveaways are planned with the YMCA, Resore OKC, Citizens Caring for Children and Positive Tomorrows.
In December, the full Thunder roster is slated to participate in a shopping spree with Sunbeam Family Services and the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. The Oklahoma City Blue roster will also participate in a winter carnival at Positive Tomorrows, while Thunder entertainers will host a winter carnival for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Tulsa.
Other events to cap off December include individual community player appearances and giving events, and the Thunder’s 12 Days of Giving, during which the team will surprise 12 local nonprofits with $1,000 worth of donated goods and supplies. Additional individual player appearances and community outreach events are also planned.
