BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Red Storm men's basketball team made its annual Thanksgiving trip to the St. John's Bread and Life Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, serving turkey dinners to nearly 450 Brooklyn area residents.

Head coach Norm Roberts, the Red Storm team and coaching staff were joined by University benefactors Eleanor and Donald Taffner, and also Bruce Beck of NBC 4 and his family.

"It is always good to come out and support the community, and to give back to others that are less fortunate," said Roberts. "I think in the end, our guys end up getting more out of this than they give."

Added junior forward Lamont Hamilton, a native of Brooklyn, "It's great because we have the opportunity to help those in need. It feels great to give back."

Paula Migliore, Campus Minister to Athletics, Mary Pat Beirne of Student Development and Fr. James Maher, University Vice President for Student Affairs and Chairman of the Board at St. John's Bread and Life, spearhead the annual community service event with the Red Storm.

"Experiences like this give the athletes a lesson in the laboratory of life, about the importance of serving people in need," said Maher. "St. Johns University emerged from this very place in Brooklyn, so it is wonderful to be able to come back to the area and make a difference."

Scenes from the day and Bruce Beck interviews from St. John's Bread and Life will appear on NBC4's Live at 5 on Wednesday, with the story appearing during the sportscast at approximately 5:30 p.m.

St. John's Bread and Life has been serving the New York City community since 1982. For more information or to make a contribution, please visit www.breadandlife.org.