It wasn't a typical dinner around the table with the family at The Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry Thursday night. 

The entire Westchester New York Knicks put down the basketball and picked up serving spoons and tongs to fill the dinner plates of about 250 students and their families. 

The hot meals included plantains, macaroni and cheese, rice and more.

The annual holiday tradition gives the at-risk youth a chance to meet some of their heroes off of the basketball court. 

"They always say how we're so tall.. It's funny to see how their eyes glow. It gives me so much joy giving back to kids and families who might not have the means," said Westchester Knicks Guard, Jamal Bey. 

The team makes it a point to show up every year and be role models for the kids, according to the team's Manager of Player Development, Brandon Wiseman. 

The kids challenged the players to other games they aren't usually playing like Giant Connect Four.

The dinner also gave the children a chance to ask the players questions and get advice.  

"That's part of giving is that joy you get," said Westchester Knicks Shooting Guard, Dylan Windler.

The Children's Village organization provides vulnerable kids with education, work and social opportunities.