HOUSTON — As customers entered Kroger off Studemont near downtown Houston to pick up a few items, they noticed a crowd near the other end of the store. It didn’t take them long to realize why all the commotion was happening.
Standing amongst the people was a 7-foot-4 gentle giant towering over everyone with a smile big enough to match his height on his face. Right next to him was a 6-foot-8 titan giving out a high-five to all the young individuals in attendance.
Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanović and forward Tari Eason teamed up with Kroger to host a holiday shopping event for families from Target Hunger, Wounded Warrior Project, and Latter Deliverance Revival Church.
“It is super dope to give back to the community of Houston that has poured so much into us,” Eason said after taking pictures with the families. “It is only right that we give back.” When I first came here, I always knew I wanted to make an impact on the city.”
“Not only through basketball but giving back through philanthropy. It is great that we get to do things like this and partner up with Kroger, and I am excited for more things to come.”
“My mom has always taught me the importance of giving back,” said Rockets forward Tari Eason as he teamed up Kroger and Boban Marjanović to host a holiday shopping event for families from Target Hunger, Wounded Warrior Project, and Latter Deliverance Revival Church. pic.twitter.com/6H2yXDf1Qb
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) December 15, 2022
Eason and Boban presented the families with a gift card, courtesy of Kroger, and assisted them with shopping. They also helped bag the items at checkout.
“Kroger’s purpose is to feed the human spirit, and what better way to do that than to feed families,” said Teresa Dickerson, corporate affairs manager of Kroger Houston. “I think it is very cool and exciting for the Rockets players to come out and wish these families a merry Christmas. These families come from right here in the Houston area, and it is heartfelt and heartwarming to see them (Eason and Boban) and how Kroger can play a part in the ‘Season of Giving’ program.”
The Houston Rockets organization and players have been instrumental in helping provide food and other necessities to families that may have fallen on hard times throughout the city.
“People had smiles on their faces as we went to get things,” Boban said. “Together, we can do something and put smiles on their faces. We wanted to do something to give back to the community. I want to help other people be happy, and this is my job right now.”
The Rockets are back in action on Thursday and looking to extend their home winning streak to six games in a matchup against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Central.
