Although it was cold and rainy, that didn’t stop beloved NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki from passing out turkeys, food boxes and more to 1,000 families at the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Fall Food Drive, which was held Nov. 9 at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center in Dallas.

Dirk and his family worked nonstop, arriving early and staying till the very last car was loaded up with groceries and goodies. Also volunteering were fire fighters and law enforcement officers – even Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia joined in on the fun.

Each meal pack served 4-6 people and included a whole uncooked turkey, a variety of sides, fresh vegetables, stuffing mix, pies, milk and more along with gift cards and vouchers. In addition, 100 meals were delivered to families and senior citizens who reside in the Kiest Park neighborhoods.

And with colder temperatures around the corner, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation also donated embroidered warm blankets to families.

The event was held in partnership with the Dallas Tennis Association’s philanthropic arm, the Dallas Tennis and Education Academy (DTEA). The crown jewel of the DTEA is the Nowitzki Excellence Team, a group of 24 students who excel in academics and tennis at the highest level.

Students from the tennis center joined Dirk and his family last night, spending hours packing up meal boxes in preparation for today.

To learn more about the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, please visit forty.one/us.