There wasn’t a scheduled game at the Washington Redskins’
FedEx Field on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. But Redskins players including
Tim Hasselbeck, Kevin Mitchell, Dave Fiore, Cliff Russell and Clifton
Smith, were hard at work on the field beating another kind of deadly opponent
– HUNGER. Find out more about this and the other two NFL food distribution
events that have taken place over the last three weeks!
First Time with Redskins
“He kept saying, ‘God bless you,’ and ‘Thank you’
over and over again like he could not believe all we were doing for him,”
commented Tom Foley. The Operation Blessing staff member was recalling
an elderly man’s response during our first food distribution with
the Washington Redskins! This grateful guest represented one of more than
2,000 families that received a frozen turkey and two bags of groceries
with items including powdered milk, potatoes, rice and canned soup --
just in time for Thanksgiving. The children received a special gift bag
too! Over 150 dedicated volunteers from local companies also helped make
this event a success by filling and handing out thousands of bags of groceries.
Thank you!
Partnering with Jaguars
On the same day, hunger was also being sacked at the A. Phillip Randolph
Park on the Eastside of Jacksonville, Florida. Led by cornerback Fernando
Bryant, 12 Jaguars players, cheerleaders and 260 volunteers from Wachovia
and Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. joined Operation Blessing to hand hungry families
5,000 bags of groceries. In addition to the food, Santa and Mrs. Claus
were there with treat bags for children. Adults could get free glaucoma
and blood pressure screenings. Special guest Jim Little, Administrator
of USDA’s Farm Service Agency was also there giving away powdered
milk to each family.
Six Years with Carolina Panthers
Earlier in November, Operation Blessing, the Carolina Panthers and 150
United Way volunteers, joined teams for the sixth year to distribute food
to unemployed families in Kannapolis, North Carolina. When the Pillowtex
Corporation’s Plant closed last summer, thousands were suddenly
unemployed, some after a thirty year career there!
During the 2-hour event, five Panthers players and Top Cat Cheerleaders
handed out bags of groceries and signed autographs. Panther Mascot Sir
Purr was on hand for the children’s enjoyment.
Partners, thank you for helping us tackle hunger in these three cities.
Your generous gifts made these victories possible. Hunger is still an
ugly opponent across the United States and around the world. Please continue
to help us during this holiday season. Your gift of $50 or more will let
two families in the US put food on their table for an entire month!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. 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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