Kansas City Mavericks help deck the halls at Wayside Waifs

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - Players from the Kansas City Mavericks spread holiday cheer to pets in need as they volunteered at a metro-area shelter ahead of Thanksgiving.

Leaders from the Kansas City Mavericks said the hockey team made a special stop off the ice during Thanksgiving week as they spent time at Wayside Waifs to brighten the holidays for pets in need at the city’s largest no-kill shelter.

Team officials noted that Justin Maherson, Luke Loheit, Daniel Amesbury, Jay Powell, Casey Carreau and David Noël volunteered their time as they helped volunteers with various tasks and met some of the newest furry arrivals.

Players indicated that the day began with a tour of the Wayside Waifs campus where they learned more about the shelter’s mission to find homes for all adoptable pets. They then got to enjoy playtime with a group of puppies recently surrendered to the shelter.

After the tour, the Mavericks said they rolled up their sleeves and unloaded a trailer full of donated supplies, including food, toys and other essentials. Their last mission was to deck the halls of the adoption center and give prospective families a festive feel.

During their visit, team leaders said the Mavericks also ed Wayside’s Adopt-a-Center program, a holiday initiative to encourage visitors to pick a snowball that features donation requests for items needed to continue to pets. Players raised awareness and encouraged fans to contribute to the shelter’s efforts.

Throughout November, the Mavericks noted that they would donate a dog leash for every dog adopted from Wayside. To date, more than 140 leashes have been donated. The partnership highlights the team’s commitment to local organizations that make a positive impact on the community.

Team leaders indicated that Wayside Waifs is expected to be present at the Maverick’s Saturday home game on Nov. 30, when Kansas City faces the Tulsa Oilers. Fans will get the chance to meet special guests from the shelter on the concourse and during in-game features.

The Mavericks said it is proud to partner with Wayside Waifs to continue the mission of giving back to the community on and off the ice.

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