It was a homecoming for NBA icon Michael Jordan, who made a trip on Tuesday to his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, to meet hurricane victims, who benefited from his donation of 2 million U.S. dollars at a local Lowe's Home Improvement Store.
Jordan gave away Thanksgiving dinners at the store, as well as gifting Jordan Brand shoes at a Boys & Girls Club, where he had played as a youngster.
One of the beneficiaries was Stephanie Parker, her husband and four young children, who spent months living in shelters provided by the American Red Cross. The charity organization was partially funded by none other than the NBA legend.
When Jordan visited her family, Parker expressed her gratitude towards the NBA Charlotte Hornets. She mentioned that Jordan's visit “means he hasn't forgotten" and they are important.
Michael Jordan before the start of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France, September 28, 2018. /VCG Photo
Michael Jordan before the start of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France, September 28, 2018. /VCG Photo
Meanwhile, the six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls stated that it was important for him to go back to his hometown and interact with the inhabitants in person. He said, “I can give money all day long, but at some point you want them to understand you're human.
“This is my home. And sometimes you just want to touch the people. You know, I can give money all day long. But at some point and time, you want to understand and see, let them understand that you are human, no matter what. And this is my home.
“For me, it's like coming back and helping out someone who you absolutely care about and that you knew and that you grew up in that same environment that they're battling and trying to survive in.”