Royals’ relief pitcher Brad Thompson hands out bags of groceries to families in need in Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Normally, Kansas City Royals’ relief pitcher Brad Thompson is focused on striking out the man at bat. On this particular rainy Saturday, however, his goal was not to throw the perfect pitch, but to help strike out hunger instead.

Thompson was joined by players from the Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs who teamed up with Operation Blessing for a one-day hunger relief event to hand out bags of groceries to more than 3,000 Missouri families in need.

“This was a great partnership for us to be involved with,” Chiefs’ player Jerheme Urban said to reporters. “It amazed me in the midst of a downpour how many people were lined up to receive food. It just warms your heart to know that you are able to make that much of a difference in someone’s life.”

Katherine was the first in line to receive a grocery bag of food, which included supplies such as fresh produce, potatoes, onions, canned goods, pasta and beverages.

“I'm disabled and every little bit helps and right now a bag of groceries will help me with what I didn't get at the store,” she told Fox 4 News.

More than 3,000 Missouri families benefitted from the distribution, both receiving food and getting the chance to meet the city’s sports stars.

Additionally, more than 1,000 special gift bags filled with toys including dolls, stuffed animals, and books were distributed to children.

OBI and corporate volunteers from Hy-Vee Inc., AT&T, Sprint, Ericsson and Thrivent worked with the teams to distribute food to families. As an added bonus, the athletes also took time to greet their fans by posing for pictures and signing autographs.

“It’s really great to be out here and have the opportunity to be a part of getting these foods to families who really need them, seeing the excitement on faces, seeing the athletes come out and support the event…it’s a neat event,” said Don Feltham, a volunteer.

“These economic hard times have made it difficult for millions of Americans just to put food on the table,” said Britni Capps, Director, Procurement & Corporate Relations for Operation Blessing International. “In Kansas City, we are incredibly grateful to the Chiefs, Royals and Hy-Vee Inc., our many volunteers who donate their time, and especially to our valued donor partners, most notably American Italian Pasta Co., ConAgra Foods, Allens Inc., Williams Foods, Inc., HK Anderson, Jubilee Jam, McCormick & Co., Farm Fresh Direct and General Mills, who have gone above and beyond in their generosity.”

To help more families in need, click here. For every $25 we receive, we can provide one family with groceries for a month!

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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