SAN ANTONIO — Growing up in San Antonio and playing high school basketball at St. Anthony's High School, Spurs' Charles Bassey knows the importance of being there for the community for all the support it has given him in his basketball journey.
And he jumped at the chance to do his part at the annual Christmas tree giveaway with Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries at Wesley Health & Wellness Clinic Gymnasium on the city's Southside.
"It means a lot because just helping the community out here, this is where I went in high school. It's been great just hanging out with the families from here," he said. "Just hanging out with the families and the culture in San Antonio, it's just great. I love it."
Joining Bassey was his teammate Malaki Branham as the pair helped families pick out one Christmas tree from the 160 on hand decorated in holiday cheer.
Families were treated to a free Christmas movie as they waited to pick out a tree while kids participated in arts and crafts with Branham.
"It feels great. I'm in the spirit. I'm in the spirit of giving. I'm definitely glad they asked me to be a part of this," Branham said.
The trees were decorated by Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries staff. They ranged from basic Christmas decorations to the extraordinary with Taylor Swift and Selena-themed trees.
Some trees even came with hidden gift cards for lucky families.
"They're just awesome," attendee Elizabeth Rivera said about the Spurs and Methodists' efforts. "I just love the way everything is going."
Rivera was also very appreciative of the event helping San Antonio's Southside and is hoping more events will be in the neighborhood.
Aside from Bassey and Branham, the Spurs Coyote helped load trees onto vehicles. Also joining the fun were members of the Spurs Hype Squad keeping the energy high.
"This is my city. I just want to show out. They helped me a lot when I came here as a young kid when I was 14 years old," Bassey said. "I love stuff like this, just being around people, being around families and kids. It's great."
"The kids are excited. They see all these trees right here and I just tell them to pick whichever one they want to and the parents just let them free roam," Branham said. "It's definitely good seeing their faces and them being happy."
The Spurs players went above and beyond. They rolled up their sleeves and carried trees to cars for loading.
Anything to make San Antonio families' lives easier during this holiday season.
"It's taking the time out of our day, out of our busy schedule and coming," Branham said. "Just supporting the community and the Spurs are a big part of that."
This is just a part of the Spurs' Season of Giving efforts. Next, there will be a surprise bed giveaway with Ashley Furniture at the Frost Bank Center, and much more including a gift delivery in partnership with Elf Louise to families on the West Side.
And in case you might be wondering, Branham has his Christmas tree up but admits he still needs to work on the details, especially after seeing the impressive decorations at the Christmas tree giveaway.
"It's just a regular tree. It's not as decorated as some of these right here. I might need to get some ornaments," he laughed.
Twitter: @KENS5, @JeffGSpursKENS5