Mission
The Thunder Community Relations Department works to create programs and partnerships that make a positive impact on the greater Oklahoma City community. Their primary focus is on youth, with an emphasis on reading and literacy, health and fitness, and youth basketball.
Programs
Thunder’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
A yearly Thanksgiving dinner orchestrated by the Thunder for members of the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County. There are surprise appearances by OKC Thunder players, who partake in the various Thanksgiving-themed carnival games and activities. In 2020, this event was transformed into a drive-through event, where families were able to pick up boxes full of pre-prepared Thanksgiving dinners.
Thanksgiving Party at Positive Tomorrows
Every night before Thanksgiving, the Thunder provide Thanksgiving meals and spend time with families battling homelessness at Positive Tomorrows. Additionally, each student is surprised with a backpack full of warm weather gear and school supplies.
Thunder Day of Service
Annually Thunder players and staff come together and volunteer at a local pantry.
2020 – Helped pack diaper bags, organize clothes, label formula, and give other assistance to Infant Crisis Services
2019 – Spent the afternoon at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to prepare food for distribution
Rolling Thunder Book Bus
A school bus equipped with over 3,000 books that visits surrounding schools, allowing all students who participate the chance to select a free book to take home.
Books Distributed = 182,118 Book Bus Appearances = 2,325
Holiday Assist
Thunder players and staff take the time during the holidays to help the community celebrate at various events in the surrounding area. Last Christmas, the entire Thunder roster made a visit to 20 foster families from Citizens Caring for Children, an organization dedicated to providing the basic needs of children in foster care. Players came equipped with goodies for the children, and spent time playing in the arcade with those in attendance.
Thunder Fit
Thunder Fit Clinics presented by Homeland are educational opportunities for young kids to receive first-hand knowledge and instruction from Thunder staff at fun events promoting exercise, skill development, and healthy eating habits.