DALLAS – About 300 families lined the parking lot of Buckner Children’s Home on Sunday, Nov. 18 as Dallas Mavericks players O.J. Mayo, Dahntay Jones, Jae Crowder, Jared Cunningham and Bernard James helped pass out turkeys and sides for Thanksgiving dinner.

The turkeys were purchased by the players and the sides were provided by Albertsons Market. This is the third year Buckner has benefitted from the Mavericks’ players generosity.

“I’m excited to be able to help all these families have traditional Thanksgiving meal,” said Mavs guard O.J. Mayo. “I’ve done events like this in Memphis and wanted to do something similar to give back to my new hometown. It’s a great feeling to be able to give back to your community.”

Mavs guard/forward Dahntay Jones said, “I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can help other people out and it’s nice to know these families will have a wonderful meal to share on Thanksgiving.”

In addition to a Thanksgiving turkey, each family received two cans of green beans and corn, butter potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkins, mini marshmallows and cake mix and frosting.

“We are so thankful for the Mavericks and their continued support of the children and families we serve,” said Allyson Cates, development officer for Buckner Foundation. “Many of the families we serve would not be able to provide this traditional meal to their children without this gift. It is a blessing to serve alongside the Mavericks and Albertsons Market to help make this special day happen.”

[video aspect_ratio="16:9" width="100" autoplay="0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV-kaAHr0T0 [/video]