Amidst the snarling and freezing weather, kind souls are stepping up with heartwarming acts of generosity. Pistons bad boy Isiah Thomas is one such example. This real story about the former Pistons player saving a Detroit family from homelessness will warm your hearts as well. The NBA legend might have left the basketball court in Detroit after leading the Pistons to 2 NBA championship titles, but the people and their love never left his heart.

As soon as Thomas and his wife heard about the heartbreaking condition of a family who needed saving from eviction, they stepped in to help. The family of a single mother, Tamika Jimerson, and her three kids in Harper Woods were facing a tough time. They had months of rent due and were about to be evicted. That is when she decided to go to the All-Star Turkey Giveaway in Detroit.

After waiting for 2.5 hours in the cold, she was able to meet Tarence Wheeler. When Wheeler heard the entire story about her rent, he knew the family needed help. He immediately called the basketball legend for assistance. “I know exactly what that feels like when you’re walking home from school and your stuff is on the curb. I didn’t want that to happen to this family,” Wheeler reflected on the issue.

The next day, Jimerson received a call from the basketball legend. Her rent was paid, and gift cards and toys were given as Christmas presents for her three kids. Almost $10,000 was paid by the basketball legend. “My kids are okay. We’ve got food. They gave us gift cards. 500 on there, so we’re good. As long as my kids are good, I’m good. Thank God. Thank God for Tarence Wheeler,” Jimerson said. 

This was the perfect gift the family needed at this moment. Thomas is also involved with other charity work. 

Isiah Thomas is actively involved with Mary’s court 

Many people are well aware of Mary’s Court. It has programs focused on education, safety, sports and youth, and affordable housing for the people. It works toward building happy and safe living conditions for the people of Chicago and the world. 

“Mary’s Court works to provide opportunities to families and empowers children to reach their full potential as healthy and smart members of their community,” the official page of the Mary’s Court read. 

The inspiration behind creating this foundation was Thomas’ mother. He was deeply moved by his mother’s work for disadvantaged women and families. “Every child deserves good health, safety and education. Our goal at Mary’s Court is to help every child receive that foundation,” the Detroit Pistons legend Thomas said. The NBA legend made Christmas a bit brighter for the family and everyone who can get inspired by his generosity.