Thunder stars traded their jerseys for gift cards and toys, spreading holiday cheer across Oklahoma with kids and military families.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been busy this holiday season. And I'm not just talking about the four games in six nights including two back to back sets over the past week. Thunder players have been spending their off days going out into the OKC community to help those in need during the Christmas season.
Despite this past Sunday being one of only two off days between those sandwiched back to backs, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell helped spread holiday joy and cheer with three separate events for Oklahoma kids and families.
The Thunder, in partnership with Homeland, provided the a family with a holiday shopping spree as well as an additional $500 gift card for a future visit. Jalen Williams surprised the family with his appearance and helped them shop for their groceries. In the process, he picked up some valuable knowledge about a school lunch staple.
"It's really special. The holidays are about family and being there for one another. And I think that kind of gets lost with everything that's going on," Williams said of the grocery shopping spree. "It's cool to be able to do this. It takes you down to memory road a little bit. Like Lunchables, I didn't know those were still a thing. So the fact that Lunchables are still going strong is cool."
Chet Holmgren and his family hosted and and hung out with military families at Tinker Air Force Base. The Thunder rising star came bearing gifts in the form of food, toys and autographed jerseys. Holmgren spent time signing cards and memorabilia, taking photos and chatting with more than 350 guests.
"Really just wanted to bring smiles to other people's faces. And doing that, brings a smile to my own face. Seeing everybody have fun brightens up my day," Holmgren said of the event that he personally envisioned and help put together.
Ajay Mitchell spent his afternoon leading a holiday hoops clinic for young athletes from Special Olympics Oklahoma. The kids, coached by Mitchell, took part in basketball drills and scrimmages. Every athlete participating in the clinic was also presented with Thunder goodies .
"Really fun to see them have fun. Kinda teach them a little bit about basketball and get to play. Really fun," Mitchell said of his afternoon with the Special Olympics athletes. "That's really why I wanted to be here: to see a smile on their face."
These events are part of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 18th season of Holiday Assist, which consists of more than three dozen events throughout the holidays to brighten the spirits of hundreds of Oklahomans.