As the setting sun illuminated the Henry Ford-Detroit Pistons Performance Center on Wednesday, cars lined up in drive-thru fashion on Amsterdam Street for the franchise’s annual “Season of Giving” event.
Sherondo Washington, one of the beneficiaries, pulled up to Station 2 with her young son in the backseat as Pistons players, employees and volunteers filled her trunk with Thanksgiving necessities.
“In the last four years I haven’t been able to work because I was diagnosed with leukemia and thyroid cancer so tonight is truly a blessing,” Washington said.
As a kick-off to the “Season of Giving,” Washington was one of 800 Detroit-area families invited to the giveaway event held in the New Center neighborhood. Kroger serves as the presenting sponsor with Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University also providing support. Pistons players, head coach Monty Williams, coaching staff, front office staff, employees and season-ticket holders passed out food, nonperishables and other household items.
Flint native and Pistons point guard Monte Morris also made a personal financial contribution to the event because of his ties to the state.
“For me, I'm all about giving back. I pride myself on that,” Morris said. “My mom is here taking time out of her day to come show support. That's what we do and I'm just happy. Kroger has thrown a great event to get this going and I'm just happy I was able to donate some of my money and support with some items as well.”
Pistons employees volunteered work hours for the event and Kroger donated 800 gallons of 2 percent milk and other holiday foods.
“When you think about the holidays, so many memories are made around the table, and we want to give families that are going through some tough times the opportunity to gather around those tables, make those memories, and have a great Thanksgiving,” Kroger corporate affairs manager Cam Barrett said.
Detroit resident Juan Turner, who was picking up the food and supplies for an older family member, said the event was needed.
“There’s a lot of people that need help and don’t get it or don’t know how to get it,” Turner said. “The Pistons do a lot of good for the community.”
For Pistons partnership research manager Kristi Chin, a remote employee who volunteered, the event created a great memory with fellow colleagues.
“I really felt a lot more connected with everyone and it was nice to be part of doing something for the greater good,” said Chin, who wrapped gifts and packages before the event started at 5:30 p.m.
“I think the Pistons are huge on giving back, it also sets an example and possibly encourages people to do the same.”
The giveback event is one of several charitable events hosted by the Pistons organization throughout the holiday season. Last year, the Pistons donated winter clothing and surprised holiday shoppers with grocery assistance.
Donations and logistical assistance for the event were also provided by Feed the Children, Delta Dental, Wing Stop, Coca-Cola and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
“We're here to support and make sure that the community knows that we're here to help in any way that we can," Pistons director of community and social responsibility Chris Economeas said.