Local sports teams are doing their part to brighten the holidays for families around the area. "Paws" handed out Thanksgiving baskets this afternoon to 12 foster families around Detroit. The Tigers mascot presented each family with a special basket that included a 10-pound turkey, all the trimmings, and a special gift from the team.

ALEXANDRA THRUBIS DETROIT TIGERS
"It's tough right now for a lot of families, I think there are families where it's tough year round, we're happy to be in the community, not just the holidays, or tough economic times."

"Paws" also posed for pictures as a way to thank the families for opening their homes to foster children.

Meanwhile Rip Hamilton is doing his part tonight to help families around Pontiac. He served a holiday dinner to folks living at the Grace Centers of Hope. The Detroit Piston star was not alone. Teammates , Walter Sharpe, Alex Acker and Rodney Stuckey joined Hamilton in improving the holidays for the people there.

RICHARD HAMILTON DETROIT PISTONS
"I think with Thanksgiving, it's families coming together. A lot of time, people are less fortunate to be able to afford a turkey or get something to eat. So, my job is to try and bring them together."

Hamilton also presented the center with money to help re-stock the shelves. This is the seventh year Hamilton has hosted a "Thanksgiving Celebration“ around Detroit thru his "Rip City Foundation."