09/22/2008 - 11:47
A Helping Hand
by Devon Jeffreys

Few things are as important to Tyson as helping those in need. Recently, he got the opportunity to do that in his hometown of Hanford, California.

Tyson worked with several organizations on September 14th, including Feed the Children and the Salvation Army, to give away food to kids in Hanford. While lending his help, Tyson spoke to a local FOX affiliate:

“It feels amazing, I’ve done things all over the world, but this is my first time I’m doing something in my hometown, Hanford. It’s a different feeling; these are my people, and the people I grew up with. It’s great to come back and bless some of these less fortunate families.”

Tyson’s charitable contributions have been well-documented, and his commitment to teachers in the New Orleans area with Rebound to Rebound has helped make a significant impact. He continues to help those less fortunate in any way he can.

“With the way things are going on right now in the economy, I know things are rough and tough...so I said I want to feed the children here, so that’s how we came up with everything."

Tyson helped hand out $35,000 worth of food and grocery items, enough to feed 400 struggling families.

BACK TO BUSINESS
With expectations as high as they’ve ever been in New Orleans, Tyson and co. begin preparation for the 2008-2009 season, when training camp opens next Saturday, Sept. 27.

The Hornets get an early start on most other teams because their preseason schedule takes them to Europe.

Tyson will man the post for the Hornets during a two-game European swing against the Washington Wizards. As noted on NBA.com:

“The Hornets take on the Washington Wizards on October 14 at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The game will be one of the first major sporting events held at the arena, which opened last fall. The teams will close out NBA Europe Live on October 17 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain.”

The Hornets and Wizards are two of the four teams playing exhibition games in Europe as a part of the NBA’s Europe live. The New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat will also play contests in Europe.

Tyson spoke at the charity event about the Hornets’ goals:

“Definitely playoffs, we will be a championship contender, so you can look for us soon.”

RELATED STORIES
Hornets set to open training camp (Hornets Beat, Sept. 5, 2008)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2008/09/hornets_set_to_open_training_c....
Hornets to play two preseason games in Europe (NBA.com, Aug 12, 2008)
http://www.nba.com//news/20080812193250920000101_story.html?rss=true
NBA star visits Hanford (KMPH 26, Sept. 14, 2008)
http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=9005590