Kentucky MBB spends Thanksgiving serving at Salvation Army

John Calipari stressed the importance of his players using their platforms for good at the University of Kentucky ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Servant leadership has been one of the program’s pillars since he first arrived in Lexington, regularly participating in community events and raising funds for charity and disaster relief efforts.

That continued at the Salvation Army on Thursday, the Wildcats serving hot meals to families in need — an annual tradition.

Before the team had its own family gatherings and dinners, it made sure those in the Lexington community were taken care of first.

“Couldn’t be more proud”

Coach Cal was thrilled with what he saw at the Salvation Army, which has hosted the event for over 35 years. More than 300 people showed up to eat with over 150 volunteers in attendance — a dozen or so being Kentucky basketball players.

“I couldn’t be more proud of what I saw today. We always knew we had good people with really good hearts…but they lived it today,” Calipari said. “I had one woman come up to me and say a year ago she was down to her last dollar and (Cason Wallace) came to her table and spent some time discussing all we have to be thankful for. She was back SERVING the meals this year. That’s what this is all about!”

The Kentucky head coach added that the team had three Thanksgiving gatherings — and one good practice — ahead of the team’s matchup vs. Marshall on Friday. But serving the food meant more than eating it.

“There are so many people out here that support us, come to our games, but there are a lot of people that we don’t come into contact with that benefit from something like this,” fifth-year senior Tre Mitchell said of the experience. “I think for us to see something like this and just be a part of it, it’s awesome.”

Calipari entered the holiday season wanting his players to realize the blessing that is being a role model at Kentucky.

“It’s so important for these guys to know you’re gonna be in a position to make a difference with people,” Calipari said earlier in the week. “Some of it is spending a minute and a half, just being engaged and letting them feel special. The other side of it is being able to do stuff for others who are less fortunate and maybe just came up against it, stuff worked against them. Now they’re in a position where they need a helping hand. It’s a good time.”

It’s clear they made the most of the opportunity.