CLEVELAND — Life during the COVID-19 pandemic is a whole new ball game for everyone, but luckily, ball games are the Cleveland Cavaliers’ specialty.
Dozens of cars passed by Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Friday for some support during difficult times.
“We’re happy to be here, and we’re happy to be a little beacon of light in tough times for people,” said Nic Barlage, president of business operations for the Cavs.
Volunteers with the Cavaliers loaded vehicles with a crate of produce provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank in partnership with the Cavs organization. Four bags of personal protective equipment from Gov. Mike DeWine’s COVID-19 Minority Health Strikeforce were also given to each family.
“It’s a great opportunity to just help people protect themselves from the pandemic while also putting some food on their shelves at home for them,” said Barlage.
Care packages were available for 1,000 families.
“I think it’s awesome what they’re doing here,” said Erica Mencia, a resident. “It’s a blessing for families that need it, like us.”
“It’s lifesaving,” said Ronnie Smith, a resident.
Though the uncertainty of the pandemic is creating unforeseen challenges for some families, Cavs Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said ignoring those challenges is not an option.
“One thing we can control is how we react,” said Bickerstaff. “And by reacting to help one another, coming together as a community, doing the best for one another, I think that’s in our power.”
And that sense of community is helping strengthen the bond between the team and its fans.
“We’ve got a great fan base,” said Bickerstaff. “We’ve got a great team and a great organization. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be on the same page and supporting one another through good times and bad.”
