Hoops, High-fives & Holiday Meals Highlight a Day of Giving in Northeast Portland

Community partnership provides essential food support to local families in need

Event attendees and volunteers

Portland Trail Blazers center Duop Reath joined UnitedHealthcare and Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metro to deliver holiday food boxes to 100 families and shoot hoops with kids at the Blazers Club in Northeast Portland.

Trading three-point field goals for high-fives, Reath and Blazers Club kids—the only Boys & Girls Club in the nation partnered with an NBA franchise—started the special visit dribbling and passing the ball in the club’s gymnasium, celebrating shots with cheers and smiles.

“Basketball is about teamwork and so is giving back,” said Reath. “Together we can help families put food on the table and make a real difference this holiday season.”

After warming up the Club’s court, Reath and UnitedHealthcare volunteers handed food boxes to kids and parents. Each 25-pound box is packed with pasta, rice, canned vegetables and proteins, enough for 50 meals.

Duop Reath Donates Food Boxes & Shoots Hoops with Kids

Trading three-point field goals for high-fives, Reath and Blazers Club kids—the only Boys & Girls Club in the nation partnered with an NBA franchise—started the special visit dribbling and passing the ball in the club’s gymnasium, celebrating shots with cheers and smiles.

“Basketball is about teamwork and so is giving back,” said Reath. “Together we can help families put food on the table and make a real difference this holiday season.”

After warming up the Club’s court, Reath and UnitedHealthcare volunteers handed food boxes to kids and parents. Each 25-pound box is packed with pasta, rice, canned vegetables and proteins, enough for 50 meals.

“A healthy diet promotes good health, so UnitedHealthcare is helping make nutritious food accessible for those who need extra support,” said Scott Forseth, director, UnitedHealthcare.

Oregon ranks 36th in the nation for food insecurity, and in Multnomah County, more than 14 percent of residents—over 114,000 people—struggle to access enough food. During the holidays, many households face added financial pressure, so finding support is important.

“Partnerships like this mean everything to our families,” said Mandy Tsang, senior director of development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro. “When community partners step into our Clubs to ensure families have nutritious meals for the holidays, it brings real relief during a difficult time. It eases stress and helps parents stretch their resources. Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro is grateful to Duop Reath and UnitedHealthcare for making it possible this holiday season.”

When teamwork meets giving, an ordinary day becomes an extraordinary celebration of community and hope.