While representatives for NBA owners and players met behind closed doors Wednesday to discuss the future of a locked-out league, the Jazz opened EnergySolutions Arena to the needy.

More than 4,000 homeless and low-income people gathered along the third floor of a building that normally hosts Utah home games during November. Food was passed out. Plates were filled. Those often hungry, cold and without shelter received temporary aid.

It was Thanksgiving in Jazzland. One day early. But still on time.

"We believe in consistency. This is a tradition of ours," Jazz president Randy Rigby said. "We're going through a work stoppage and some issues that we're dealing with. But it still doesn't relieve the fact that there's a lot of other people who are struggling a lot more than we are. And we believe in giving back to our community, and we're going to do it year after year after year. That's just who we are."

Jazz head athletic trainer Gary Briggs dished out meatloaf during the 13th annual We Care We Share event. Richard Smith, director of basketball operations, looked the part while wearing an apron and cook's hat. Jazz CEO Greg Miller also spent time in the serving line.

"I know it sounds a little cliché, but my mom and dad always tried to teach us at our family meetings that God didn't comfort us so that we can be comfortable — he comforted us so that we can comfort others," Miller said. "And in a very, very real way, this gives us an opportunity to do that. … There's obviously so much need out there, and it just pains me to see how much need there is."

Jeff Salazar, 19, was content Wednesday. The West Valley resident is a longtime Jazz fan, admires center Al Jefferson and was excited to be near Utah's home court. Still, he acknowledged it was a little weird eating Thanksgiving food inside a locked-out arena.

"Last year I came here and there were some Jazz players," Salazar said. "But this year, no."

bsmith@sltrib.com

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