Memphis Grizzlies forward Jerami Grant and his Our Generation Foundation brought Thanksgiving meals and community resources to families in Frayser this week, FOX13 Memphis reported.
The event, called "Thanksgiving Granted," was the foundation's first in Memphis. Grant's foundation partnered with the City of Memphis, the Grizzlies and local community groups to hand out holiday meal baskets to families in need. It extends a Thanksgiving tradition that began nearly a decade ago in Grant's home state of Maryland.
Organizers said the goal was to give families more than one holiday meal and help them have enough food throughout November. The foundation worked with local organizations to identify families who could benefit.
This year, for the first time, the foundation added a "Resource Row" connecting residents with groups offering career readiness help, mental health awareness programs and gun safety resources. The Grizzlies also provided gifts and giveaways for children.
Grant's mother, Beverly, said the foundation intentionally chose Frayser for its first Memphis event, hoping to reach families who might not otherwise have regular access to those kinds of resources.
Grant started the Our Generation Foundation about 10 years ago with his mother, his aunt and other supporters. It focuses on opportunities for underserved communities, especially young people and families, through education, health and wellness, literacy and the arts. Grant told FOX13 that giving back has been a priority throughout his career, no matter where he has played.
The family is exploring ways to expand its work in Memphis, including youth literacy, wellness and education programs. One possibility is bringing the foundation's Martin Luther King Jr. Day art and family education programming to the city.
On the court, Grant has been a key veteran voice for a young Grizzlies team. He scored 17 points off the bench in Monday's 118-102 win at Toronto, which improved Memphis to 7-3.
Sources: FOX13 Memphis; Yahoo Sports