"This harvest season, we are also reminded of those experiencing the pangs of hunger or the hardship of economic insecurity. Let us return the kindness and generosity we have seen throughout the year by helping our fellow citizens weather the storms of our day." - President Barack Obama (excerpted from his 2010 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation)The Washington Redskins did just that at their annual Thanksgiving Day food giveaway today at FedEx Field.
Redskin DT Albert Haynesworth helps distribute bags of Thanksgiving food to Prince George's County residents at FedEx Field. He said the best part of Thanksgiving is "the turkey" and calls the holidays "a time you put little differences that you had during the year behind you, and join together and give thanks to the Lord."Thousands of Prince George County residents lined up for festive holiday menu items, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Most people saw a steady flow of residents, some who been in line since before 10 am. Even Santa was on hand, handing out blankets as folks entered.
"We highly appreciate what the Redskins are doing for everybody in the community who are having a hard time trying to provide for their kids", said RaShawn Parham, a single dad trying to raise a family of 13 on his own that includes grand kids. "It's a blessing what they are doing trying to help out everybody."
On how they plan to spend their Thanksgiving, RaShawn said, "We're just going to send out blessings to the families, and their loved ones that they lost. The Parham family faced a personal tragedy earlier this year when his own wife drowned in Ocean City, Maryland. He and his family send their blessings to families who have also experienced the lost of a loved one.
Several Redskin players (and a couple of their moms) were on hand to help distribute the bags of Thanksgiving vittles.
"This is great", said defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday. "This is what the holiday is all about", said Holliday, who himself comes from a big family who appreciates the tradition of Thanksgiving.
"Football is a game that I love, and to use my "celebrity" status to bring some joy to the people during the holiday, it's great. It's great what the Redskins are doing here."
The event took place in conjunction with several volunteers from area companies and organizations that included Ernst and Young, Harris Teeter, Ryan Homes, Operation Blessing, Prince George’s County Department of Social Services, and London Fletcher's Foundation, London's Bridge.
The Redskins are joined by other NFL teams around the league who provide the same service and had enough turkeys and non-perishable food items on hand today to feed more than 15,000 people.Today's event, perhaps, will overshadow the Washington City Paper's article blasting Redskins' owner Dan Synder with their article titled 'The Cranky Redskins Fan's Guide to Dan Snyder' that questions Snyder's motives, growth, and evolution of the franchise since Snyder bought the team in 1999.
"There's always going to be someone out there who has something negative to say about everything", said Tanya Snyder, wife of Dan Snyder.
"We just have to keep going forward and be who we are." Dan Synder is a wonderful, caring and very giving person. He always has been, and he tries really hard."
Also in the spirit of Thanksgiving was Redskin QB Donovan McNabb - who has a birthday on Thanksgiving - and family, who were on hand to distribute Thanksgiving meals at Martha's Table.
-----------------
Out At Redskins Park
To counter the dwindling Redskins roster due to player injuries, the Washington Redskins signed free agent safety Macho Harris and signed running back James Davis to their active roster from their practice squad. The team also signed running back Kestahn Moore to their practice squad. To make room on the roster, the Redskins placed running back Chad Simpson and safety Anderson Russell on the Reserved/Injured list.
Comments