KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Jahmai Mashack, who plays basketball for the University of Tennessee, challenged Vol Nation to help him feed 30 families in November. They quickly surpassed that goal, raising enough money to feed over 200 families.
On Wednesday, Second Harvest Food Bank's mobile pantry was sponsored by Mashack. Organizers expected 300 families to show up, but almost 400 did.
"I feel like I've had a lot of pretty good accomplishments in my sport so far and I feel like I've done some really good things, but this is by far one of the things that I'm most proud of," Mashack said.
With almost 100 additional families served, Rachael Ellis, the director of development for Second Harvest, said Mashack's and Vol Nation's contributions ensured everyone received food. She said Mashack has worked with them as a silent donor for a while and it's great seeing his impact with this food drive.
"I'm over the moon to see him here today, especially after playing a really hard game the night before. He not only gives his all for Tennessee on the court but he also gives his all here to the public. He has done so much for our community and not everybody has known about it," Ellis said.
When 10News last talked with Mashack, he said he would make time to volunteer in person between his busy schedule of practice and games.
"I'm just happy to be able to take time out of my day. I'm blessed to see all these cars come in and see all these smiling faces of happy people and be able to talk with them. It's something bigger than me," he said.
Mashack has been giving back to his community since he was a child. Now, with his platform, he said he hopes to see the work he's started continue long after he's gone.
"I wanted to be the first of many. I wanted to inspire people to contribute. Whether they're a kid watching me at home or they're an adult who doesn't know how to give, doesn't know where to go to give — I want to be able to use my platform to give people an opportunity to show why giving is so important," Mashack said.
Second Harvest said 398 households or 1,194 people, were served in just under 90 minutes. Mashack's virtual food drive is still open for donations through Dec. 20.