Brandon Garrison donates 30 turkeys to God's Pantry Food Bank

It’s Thanksgiving week, and Brandon Garrison has ensured that some Lexington families in need will have food on their tables on Thursday.

Kentucky’s junior center spent Saturday at God’s Pantry Food Bank in Lexington, where he donated 30 turkeys and packed and delivered meals to families around Fayette County. God’s Pantry posted some photos of Garrison and his mother, Toni, unloading food and touring the warehouse on Facebook. That’s also where Toni wrote about their experience.

“As we handed out boxes and walked through the warehouse, memories of my own childhood and early years raising my children came flooding back, filling my eyes with tears as I remembered what it felt like to face food insecurity as a single mother simply trying to provide and stay afloat. In that moment, I silently thanked God for guiding our hearts to a place where we can now bless others.”

Brandon and Toni even got to meet Michael Halligan, the CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank. Toni thanked Halligan, the rest of the God’s Pantry Food Bank staff, and volunteers for their work and the warm reception.

“From the moment we arrived, everyone welcomed us with such warmth and kindness,” Toni wrote. “I had the pleasure of learning more about the program — and even a bit about football!! — from the CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank. The compassion in his eyes truly touched me and will be coin-stamped in our hearts.”

Garrison’s good deed came the morning after Kentucky’s win over Loyola Maryland. For the first time this season, Garrison came off the bench, with freshman Malachi Moreno taking his starting spot. Instead of pouting, Garrison went to work, pulling down a career-high 11 rebounds along with six points, one assist, one steal, and two turnovers in 20 minutes. Mark Pope was unbelievably proud.

“Maybe the best story of the night, guys, the story you’re looking for is BG’s response,” Pope said after the game. “I mean, he’s an 11-rebound guy. … Has he been an 11-rebound guy starting? That’s the beautiful thing, you know? … BG was an incredible example tonight of learning, of holding on to that lesson — at least for one night. It’s like, ‘Hey, so listen, Coach decided not to start me. I’m gonna go be unbelievable in my 20 minutes off the bench.’ He wasn’t perfect, but his effort was great.”

It’s good to see Garrison in the right headspace on and off the court. If you’d like to follow his lead and give back to some families in need this holiday season, visit God’s Pantry Food Bank’s website.