The season of giving is upon us, and two days before, many across Greater Philadelphia gather with friends and family to share what they are thankful for over a meal, Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers, joined by his family and local volunteers, served 500 Thanksgiving meals to residents of Camden, New Jersey.
This is the second annual Thanksgiving dinner event for Oubre at Cathedral Kitchen, the city’s largest emergency food provider. Oubre joined the kitchen in battling food insecurity this holiday season. In addition to the warm meals supplied, Oubre also donated a collection of warm items, including 100 sleeping bags, 120 blankets, 100 winter beanies, 100 thermal socks, 100 two-piece foot warmers, and 100 two-piece hand warmers. Oubre and his family also donated $5,000 to the kitchen to help support needs throughout the upcoming holiday season and beyond. This is the second annual Thanksgiving dinner event for Oubre at Cathedral Kitchen.
Oubre is a New Orleans native and came to Philadelphia after signing with the 76ers in the 2023 NBA offseason. His connection to the city and the surrounding area runs surprisingly deep, considering its recency. Before serving, Oubre spoke about his desire to serve the local community.
“This is my home,” Oubre said of Greater Philadelphia. “My family lives here. I live here. I represent this city. I represent this community. So, being able to implement and just shake hands, hug people, put smiles on other people’s faces, that’s the biggest thing that makes me feel like I’m doing something in life, not just me, putting the ball in the hoop or getting defensive stops or, performing on the basketball court. I’m an actual human being, so I try to show that to everybody else.”
It’s not rare for an athlete to embrace Philadelphia. Players have come from all over the world and made life-long homes in the city and its surrounding area. What is unique is the passion with which Oubre speaks of the area, his genuine love for what is now his community, and the people who make it up.
Oubre thanked every volunteer who served alongside him and gifted them all freshly autographed 76ers shirts and photos together. Oubre also met personally with the residents who attended, signing autographs and taking photos, but also simply sharing a conversation, a hug, whatever they needed at the moment.
While his stay in Philly has lasted little more than a year to this point, Oubre clearly understands the heart of the city, the concept of Brotherly Love. To those who share his community, Oubre had a simple message of how they, too, can serve.
“Honestly, to the core of it, it’s the City of Brotherly Love. And the word love is self-explanatory, so spread love to others. but also love yourself and always love the people around you.”
To learn more about the work of the Cathedral Kitchen and how you can serve, visit cathedralkitchen.org
