Miami Heat celebrate Thanksgiving early by giving back to community

MIAMI ā€“ The Miami Heat turned their focus to giving back, teaming up with their community outreach team for the 33rd annual Thanksgiving celebration at the Miami Rescue Mission on Thursday.

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The organization distributed 600 Thanksgiving gift baskets, complete with meals and trimmings, to families in need.

Heat President Pat Riley called it one of his favorite events of the year.

ā€œThey were dancing to Kool & The Gang, and everybody up and down the line was clapping and doing the electric slide,ā€ Riley said. ā€œIt was a nice moment as we were handing out turkeys and other supplies for people. Itā€™s just a great moment. My dopamine went through the roof. I love it.ā€

The celebration wasnā€™t just about providing food ā€” it brought the community together for music, dancing, and smiles. Rileyā€™s enthusiasm for the event showed his love for the Heatā€™s impact beyond the court.

The Heatā€™s focus now shifts to Sundayā€™s game against the Dallas Mavericks, but for the moment, the Thanksgiving celebration stood as a reminder of the teamā€™s commitment to their Miami community.


About the Authors
Ryan Mackey headshot

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

Will Manso headshot

Will Manso came back home to South Florida when he joined Local 10 in March of 1999. During his time here, Will has kept busy by working in sports, news and he's even dabbled in entertainment. He is now Local 10's sports director and also enjoys the chance to serve as host for special shows on Local 10.

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