DALLAS –  It’s been nine months since Dallas Mavericks employees last stepped foot in the office, but the spirit of giving continues to flow even in a virtual world.

The Dallas Mavericks once again joined the rest of the league for the NBA Cares Season of Giving, a league-wide initiative designed to boost hope and morale for underserved communities across the country. As part of the Mavs Care Season of Giving, the organization adopted a few local charities hit especially hard by the global pandemic.

Just last week, the Salvation Army of North Texas had 20,000 unadopted angels and now the organization is in a race against time to find volunteers to help sort and deliver the gifts to families.

“Many North Texans will be facing one of the most challenging holiday seasons they’ve ever experienced and the same is true for The Salvation Army of North Texas. In a typical year, we raise nearly half of our operational budget during the holiday season,” said Major Todd Hawks, Area Commander for The Salvation Army.

“We’re thankful for organizations like the Dallas Mavericks for their support of Angel Tree and their ongoing efforts to encourage others to give back. At salvationarmynorthtexas.org, people can make a contribution or sign up to volunteer to distribute gifts.”

The Mavs have a long history of tremendous generosity and these unprecedented times call for unprecedented giving. COVID-19 hasn’t changed the process much, except employees had to shop from home and then reserve time slots to deliver the donated goods.

“The people here in our community will always be a big part of our story,” said Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall. “The Mavericks have a deep desire to use our platforms to play for a greater purpose. Together, we have all witnessed firsthand what happens when a community of people rallies together to help our sisters and brothers. Now we need our fellow fans to help us fulfill the mission for children across the region.”

MFFLs interests in volunteering for the Salvation Army of North Texas can click here for dates, times and locations to serve.

Meanwhile, Genesis Women’s Shelter said while the past year has been uncertain for everyone, it has proven to be particularly difficult for women and children trapped in abusive homes. The charity says they’ve seen a dramatic spike in needs and services and they’ve created an Amazon Wish List for people to donate from home.

Often times the families have to escape from their abuser before ever packing a suitcase, so items range from infant onesies, to bedspreads, books for children, warm hats and gloves and other general toiletries.

This year, the Women of Mavs Empowering Network (W.O.M.E.N) donated 150 winter items including coats, blankets, baby clothes, baby food and personal hygiene products.

If you would like to donate items or sign-up to volunteer time, visit here to learn more.

Other opportunities the Mavericks participated in this holiday season included a food drive benefitting For Oak Cliff, thanks to the Mavs’ Black Employee Network (B.E.N) and Somos Mavs. For Oak Cliff aims to liberate Oak Cliff from systemic oppression by creating opportunities for children and families in the area. During Thanksgiving, the Mavericks sponsored Thanksgiving meals for 10 families and donated over $1,000 in gift cards from individual employee donations.

To volunteer and support the For Oak Cliff mission, visit here to learn more.

And finally, the Mavs’ G35 group came together virtually to create holiday cards for the Resource Center, a Dallas-based charity that empowers the LGBTQ communities and all people impacted by HIV through improved health and wellness, education and advocacy.

The Center said the global pandemic is having a direct impact on the people both emotionally and physically. They report a multitude of issues ranging from anxiety due to separation of family, loss of family members and friends, depression, feeling of worthlessness and the stress of job loss. This combined with the holidays quickly approaching has taken a real toll.

For this reason, the Mavs’ G35 group gathered to create notes and holiday cards filled with messages of hope and inspiration that will be added to holiday gift bag wish lists created. The group provides support to more than 62,000 people every year. According to the Center, approximately 30% of the clients they serve at its Health Campus are homeless or in unstable housing situations.

To help boost morale at The Resource Center and provide life-changing support to people in need, click here for a list of ways to donate. 

Marshall said she’s is thankful to have employees always ready to serve and she hopes these endeavors brightened the lives of families across the region.

The Mavericks always host numerous events throughout the holiday season, including turkey giveaways before Thanksgiving and holiday parties for at-risk youth. One of those events will take place Thursday when the Mavericks host their annual “Cookies with Santa” event to surprise children with gifts and goodies.

“These are just a few examples of the countless ways the Mavs shifted from playing the game of basketball to playing the game of life with people in our community,” Marshall said.

Tamara Jolee, Dallas Mavericks

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Mavs’ Dorian Finney-Smith donates hundreds of turkeys to his community
Families in need had a ‘lovely day’ at Minnie’s Food Pantry 
Mavericks team up with Kroger to provide Thanksgiving feasts 

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