Arena’s visits DC Armory

Washington Wizards All-Star Guard Gilbert Arenas greeted and visited with evacuees from Hurricane Katrina at the DC Armory today. Arenas was recognized by Washington DC Mayor Anthony Williams, among other relief workers, for his generosity and actions in a time of need at a press conference early this afternoon.

On Sunday, Arenas hand-delivered $18,000 worth of goods and supplies he purchased at a local store for the 400 evacuees who are sheltered at the DC Armory.

Gilbert Arenas Quotes
September 6, 2005

On why he was compelled to help:
“This storm took down a city. A lot of people lost their lives. People lost everything, and it could’ve happened to anybody. It could have happened to me. I keep thinking ‘if it was me out there, what would I want from people.’ That’s why I’m helping. That’s the way I look at it. I’m just doing what I want people to do for me if it was me down there.”

On the relief effort:
“You can see what they’ve been through by the look on their faces. I’m just trying to cheer them up. I can’t imagine what they’re going through, and what they’ve seen, but I know what we can do from this point on to try to make it easier for them. You have to just open your arms and make them as happy as you can.”

On time spent at the DC Armory with evacuees from Hurricane Katrina:
“I think they enjoyed it as much as possible, considering everything. They finally got a chance to relax a little. They got to lie down and snack on some food, mingle with some people – it’s those little things that they haven’t been able to do, but hopefully will get to do some of it now.”

More on his effort: “A lot of them told me that they had seen me on TV and that it was nice to see a familiar face. If that makes somebody feel good, then here I am. You can’t just sit there and watch it on TV and wonder what you can do to help. Everybody can help. I’m hoping that more people will follow the lead of the relief workers that are doing their part.” Click here for donations