Zach Randolph, power forward for the Memphis Grizzles, has never forgotten about his humble beginnings. Growing up poor was not easy but he preserved and has become a big fan of giving back. His mother worked hard to raise two boys in rough neighborhoods and he appreciates all of her hard work.

“She [mama] kept food on the table and kept a roof over our head. It might not have been the best of it, the best house or whatever, but she did the best she could. If the lights was off, they’d only be off for a day because my mama was gonna find a way to get the lights back on for her kids.”

Randolph is so giving not only does he give away turkeys during the holiday, he has another annual charitable tradition he started about 7 years ago. He heard about people freezing to death during a particularly harsh winter and pledged $20,000 to Memphis Light, Gas and Water to cover unpaid utility payments. He now donates money annually to ensure Memphis families will stay warm during the winter months.

But that’s not all he teamed up with his teammate Tony Allen to take 200 kids on a shopping spree at Toys R Us. He also collaborated with the Memphis Police Department and donated coats to an economically disadvantaged elementary school.

There are a lot of athletes that give back but Randolph is truly special. He loves people and works hard to help people who are where he once was in life. He not only gives back to the Memphis community but he also gives back to those in need in his old stomping grounds in Marion, Indiana.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o3Yn8aOFBI]