With the holidays quickly approaching, a long line awaited Washington Wizards point guard John Wall as he arrived for his annual Thanksgiving Day Assist event. The individuals waiting for Wall were recipients of 1,000 meals he handed out to families in need in Southeast D.C. in partnership with his foundation.
John Wall’s (@JohnWall) Thanksgiving Assist is gearing up. Participants will receive free hot meals courtesy of Henry Soul Cafe. Crazy long line puts in perspective how many families are in need this holiday season. #JWFF pic.twitter.com/LGyTMTsnRB
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) November 24, 2020
“Coming from where I come from, I know a lot of people who have had tough times,” Wall said. “It’s hard to have Christmas or to have Thanksgiving or to be able to put clothes on your back and shoes on your feet. I have the opportunity to be blessed to be in a position where I can help others. Especially during this time right now with the pandemic going on. It’s even more tough for a lot of people. Now these families have a chance to have a Thanksgiving meal and enjoy that.”
Those experiences also shape Wall’s approach of not showing up to his events and leaving after a short amount of me. He stays for the duration because interacting with the families and fans is the most enjoyable and rewarding part of his efforts.
Asked @JohnWall about the most rewarding part of his charity events: “Just enjoying myself and having fun. I didn’t get to see a star player growing up so why not come back and touch them.” At the same time you could hear attendees yelling for his attention 😃
#JWFF #NBA pic.twitter.com/gBnhwgL6Ux
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) November 24, 2020
Wall has a well-established reputation for putting his all into the D.C. community which is one of the reasons he is a fan favorite.
“Since Day 1 when I stepped here, June 25, this city, these fans ain’t do nothing but show me a lot of love,” Wall explained. “That’s the same thing I want to give back to them, give my same love back, and that’s what I’m always going to continue to do no matter what goes on. We can’t control certain things that happen in life, but one thing I can control is my heart will always be in this city.”
There will be a lot more happy families this Thanksgiving thanks to his commitment to giving back.