At the Two Teams, One Goal event on May 30, Kansas City Royals and Chiefs players joined over 200 volunteers to distribute75,000 lbs. of foodfrom OBI to families in need.

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – For the families who came to the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs’ Two Teams, One Goal event on May 30, the thrill of meeting MLB and NFL athletes was undeniable.

“I got everybody’s signatures on my bag!” laughed Berta, who brought her daughter to the event.

But for Berta and others, the day was about more than just meeting the players. It was about meeting a need.

During the one-day event, more than 3,000 people received bags of groceries with enough cereal, canned goods, pasta, and potatoes for a week’s worth of meals.

“This means so much to us—and we thank Operation Blessing for putting this all together,” Berta said.

Since 2001, Operation Blessing has partnered with the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs to distribute food to local families in need at the annual event. OBI furnished 3 tractor trailer loads of food—about 75,000 pounds—for this year’s event.

“This is the ninth time we’ve worked with the Chiefs and the Royals, and they’re just great partners,” said Britni Capps, director of procurement and corporate relations for Operation Blessing. “And the players and the mascots really help get people’s spirits up.”

Over 200 volunteers from AT&T, Sprint, Thrivent Financial, and other local organizations put together bags of groceries, Each held a week's worth of food for a family, including pasta, potatoes, and cereal.

So did Oscar the OBI Bear, who was on hand to offer hugs for the kids and pose for pictures.

Over 200 volunteers from AT&T, Sprint, Thrivent Financial, and other local organizations put together the bags of groceries, as well as special bags for the children containing books, stuffed animals, and other treats.

Many of the volunteers were previous participants, who were excited to take part once again. This year, they said, the need was greater than ever.

“People in this community need help,” said Karee Craig, who led the team of AT&T volunteers, “but even more so this year with the state of the economy.”

“They started lining up at 8:30 a.m., when we were just beginning to bag the food,” Craig said.

At the Royals’ game at Kaufman Stadium the night before, OBI was also presented with a generous $10,000 gift from the two teams, which went to purchase canned goods to distribute to the families.

“Partnering with Operation Blessing is by far one of our favorite events each year,” said Ben Aken, director of community relations for the Royals. “When I ask the players to come the event, if they’ve done it before, it’s an automatic yes.”

As a rookie, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Corey Smith hadn’t volunteered before—but he was eager to get involved.

Oscar the OBI Bear was also on hand to offer hugs for the kids and pose for pictures.

"I want to lend a hand wherever I can,” Smith said, between talking to families as they waited in line and breaking down boxes. “There are a lot of families in need right now—and it’s just nice to give back.”

Dana, who also brought her children to meet the players, was touched by the compassion and generosity of the teams, the volunteers, and Operation Blessing.

“I know a lot of hard work went into this, and we really appreciate everything you’ve done,” she said. “It was definitely a blessing.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, Operation Blessing brings nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty in America and around the world. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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