Former NBA Star Jonathan Bender helps out struggling families in South Mississippi – NBA News
Former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jonathan Bender is busy helping out people who are facing tough economic times and struggling with their day-to-day lives. On Thursday, Bender helped out almost 800 struggling families in South Mississippi.
Bender, who has his own charity foundation by the name of Bender Foundation, joined the ‘Feed the Children’ in a bid to show some empathy towards the underprivileged people. Bender and Feed the Children, along with many volunteers, who gathered at Milner Stadium gave away food boxes to many South Mississippi families who are passing though depressing times due to poor economic conditions.
According to a survey carried out by the US Labour department, application for unemployment have risen in the past week and as such it is a clear indication that more and more people are getting jobless and the economic conditions of people are going downhill . Many companies are lying off their employees and the future job market also looks gloomy.
Talking about his involvement in the food give-away event, one in which he is participating for a second year running, Bender stressed that it’s more important to give something back to society. He also emphasized on every individual to help out those, who need help.
“I was blessed to play in the NBA and it’s now a blessing to give back to Mississippi, It feels good to help others. It’s a natural for me to give back. It’s all about the smiles. Some of the children are too young to understand what’s going on, but they will know it’s a good thing when they get home and open their boxes. We as individuals need to do what we can do to help needy children without having to depend on the federal government."
Jonathan Bender was born in Picayune, Mississippi and played for the Picayune Memorial High School in Mississippi. He was very impressive with his basketball skills and received a scholarship to Mississippi State University. Bender however turned down that offer and opted to play as a professional basketball player. He was drafted as 5th overall in the 1999 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. Bender spent almost ten years in the league and played for two different teams.
Apart from his basketball life, Bender has always tried to help people especially in his native town, South Mississippi. Last year, Bender and his foundation were also very active when they gave away food in Gulfport. His efforts were hugely applauded by Gulf Cost community and their ministers.
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