NBA tips off the holidays

With the excitement and eagerness for the start of the 2012 NBA season and the holiday spirit in full effect, the NBA as officially launched its Home for the Holidays campaign. As a part of the NBA Cares initiative, Home for the Holidays features hundreds of charitable holiday season events hosted by players and personnel on behalf of all 30 NBA franchises. Members of the NBA family including current players, legends, coaches and executives will work together with community partners and local volunteers looking to give back to their communities.

Each franchise will participate in a variety of events from now until January 1^st to brighten the holiday season for thousands of children and families. Members of the Charlotte Bobcats will be delivering toys donated by team season ticket holders to the Salvation Army Women and Children’s Shelter. The Los Angeles Lakers are treating children from the East Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club to a holiday celebration at the team practice facility, while the Orlando Magic surprise a deserving family during the Magic’s pre-season game against the Heat on December 21^st.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings and members of the Bucks front office staff helped serve breakfast at St. James’ Episcopal Church as a way to give back to the community. The Denver Nuggets provided 105 children with dental care valued at over $250,000 through the their TeamSmile program that provides complimentary oral health assessments, instruction and dental services for the underprivileged children of Denver. Players from the Portland Trail Blazers brought cheer to 14 Albina Head Start classrooms as they delivered snacks and gifts while being entertained by the students who sang them Christmas carols. Over 100 team employees including coaches and team President Larry Miller joined in on the celebrations.

Home for the Holidays tackles issues affecting multiple families and children, while providing them with hope and joy in more ways than one. From the gift of a toy for a young hospital patient, to the warmth of a hot meal and stability, the NBA players are all demonstrating the gift of giving this holiday season and are doing a very good job.