Spurs to spread holiday cheer with free meals, Christmas trees and gifts for San Antonio families

The San Antonio Spurs are trading basketballs for turkey dinners, Christmas trees and Santa suits as they prepare to help families across the Alamo City this holiday season. The Spurs announced Tuesday the return of their annual "Season of Giving," a five-week initiative bringing players, staff and community partners together to help families celebrate the holidays. The events include serving Thanksgiving dinner at Frost Bank Center and delivering Christmas presents in Santa suits. The initiative is part of the NBA's annual Season of Giving campaign, which encourages teams across the league to support families, children and community organizations during the holidays. "The holidays are a time to come together and care for one another, and we want families across San Antonio to feel that support this season," said Patricia Mejia, chief impact and inclusion officer for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. "Through Season of Giving, our players, staff and partners can help ease some of the pressures families face and create opportunities to enjoy the holidays together." ALSO READ: 3 takeaways as Spurs win ninth straight behind Wemby's 40 points, nine blocks The festivities begin Monday, Nov. 16, when Spurs players, staff, the Hype Squad and Coyote will serve a Thanksgiving-themed dinner to families from local community organizations at Frost Bank Center. Children will also have an opportunity to participate in an on-court activity. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Spurs players will join H-E-B and the San Antonio Food Bank to distribute 200 turkeys, fresh produce and nonperishable food to families served by several local organizations, including Madonna Center, Good Samaritan, House of Neighborly Service and Our Lady of the Lake University. The Spurs will join Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries on Dec. 2 for their 14th annual Christmas Tree Donation event. Players and staff will help distribute decorated Christmas trees and holiday wreaths to patients and clients. On Dec. 12, Spurs players will trade their jerseys for Santa suits and elf costumes to deliver Christmas gifts to local children and spend time with families. The event is a partnership with the Elf Louise Christmas Project and Opportunity Home San Antonio. Spurs staff will also volunteer to wrap gifts. Over the past five years, the Spurs' Season of Giving initiatives have reached more than 10 ZIP codes across San Antonio, with more than 5,000 turkeys, toys and household necessities donated, according to the organization. Players are also expected to participate in individual charitable efforts throughout the holiday season. The Spurs said the events are limited to previously invited families and are not open to the general public. Subscribe There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25¢. This article originally published at Spurs to spread holiday cheer with free meals, Christmas trees and gifts for San Antonio families .