INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Local leaders and the NBA are looking for a lot of help as they aim to leave a long-term legacy from the 2024 All-Star Game. They’re calling for at least 6,000 volunteers to take on the ’24 Hours of Service’, billed as a new take on the traditional community service projects that accompany the game each year.

“I have no doubt that folks here are going to turn out,” Pacers Sports and Entertainment executive Danny Lopez told us on News 8’s Daybreak. “This is a great way to be involved with All-Star activities.”

The headline event of the day of service is a pack-a-thon with the Million Meal Movement. The plan is to work continuously for 24 hours at Lucas Oil Stadium, starting the Thursday afternoon before All-Star weekend.
Volunteers will work 90-minute shifts putting together meal packs for distribution through food banks around the state. The Host committee says the meal-packing effort will build on a longtime focus on food insecurity by the Pacers and their community outreach efforts.

Host Committee President Mel Raines says the new initiative is an opportunity to celebrate the game’s best players and “a chance to focus on our community, support our neighbors, and make a meaningful, sustainable impact in the community.”

Organizers want to make the day of service a learning opportunity for younger volunteers, too. Anyone at least 6 years old is welcome to work alongside a parent or guardian. You can volunteer or donate through a link here.

The community service announcement comes on the same day as the 10 a.m. start of ticket sales for several of All-Star weekend’s signature events, including the Celebrity Game, Rising Stars Game, and All-Star Practice.

Lopez says no matter which event or volunteer opportunity you choose, you’ll definitely want to make sure you head into the city at some point. “There will be music, food, arts, people should come downtown and just experience the All-Stars once in a lifetime.”