With the holiday season quickly approaching, the Sacramento Monarchs, Kings Dance Team and Maloof Sports & Entertainment Team Members graciously volunteered their time at Sacramento Loaves & Fishes.

“Being out here today allows you to see how blessed you are as an individual,” Monarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson said. “And it’s good to be out here in the community and help as much as possible; especially during the holiday season where a lot of people are alone and don’t have a family to turn to.”

Brunson along with teammate Chelsea Newton and Monarchs Assistant Coach Monique Ambers served all the regular holiday fixings – turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, vegetables and more – to dozens of those less fortunate.

“I think it’s great they do things like this,” Adriane Bryant, a woman enjoying a hearty helping of food, said. “This is my second time coming here.”

Like Bryant, regular volunteers at Loaves & Fishes were also enthused about the Monarchs presence in the community.

“It’s great that they come and help out because so many people aren’t involved,” 17-year-old volunteer Mariah Hickman said. “Because when the Monarchs come, it gives people the idea to help.”

“You never really understand what it’s like to serve others until you do it,” Newton said. “It’s just great to be able to help.”

The holiday spirit is in full blast for both the Sacramento Kings and Monarchs. The gratitude shown towards those present at Loaves & Fishes is just one of many community experiences to come this festive season.

“It’s very humbling for me to come out here and the fact that they’re so appreciative is the best part to see,” Ambers said. “They’re just so thankful to be here to have this opportunity to have a good meal.”