Chargers join in fight to feed hungry

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Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

For the last three years, the Chargers have proudly teamed with Tyson Foods and Lift Up America to help feed those in need during the holiday season. Due to extenuating circumstances surrounding the wildfires that ravaged San Diego County last month, the need was much bigger this time around, but fortunately, Tyson stepped up and answered the challenge.

In past years, Tyson has donated 30,000 pounds of protein to help those in need, but the company graciously doubled the gift this year to assist thousands of families still suffering from the affects of the wildfires.

“The events of recent weeks have also left thousands additionally in need of assistance,” Chargers Chief Operating Officer Jim Steeg said. “We at the Chargers are so grateful to Tyson Foods for understanding the additional need and stepping forward with even more assistance this year.”

Chargers long snapper David Binn, wide receiver Kassim Osgood, tight end Scott Chandler, wide receiver Chris Chambers, offensive tackle Roman Oben, defensive end Jacques Cesaire and wide receiver Buster Davis put their muscles to good use Tuesday morning. They arrived in the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot around 10 a.m. and helped load two semi-trucks worth of food into the trucks of the participating agencies.

“I like helping out with this event because it directly helps people in our city,” Osgood said. “This is a tough time for a lot of people who live in San Diego because of what they went through the last month. We’re all glad to help a little.”

More than 60 agencies and 250 families were assisted in the effort. Agencies such as the Salvation Army, the San Diego Food Bank and other shelters helping fire victims were able to benefit from Tuesday’s event. The agencies will serve thousands of families thanks to the efforts of those who volunteered Tuesday.

“Fighting hunger is important to Tyson Foods,” said Luis Gutierrez, Regional Development Manager for Tyson. “We’re honored to be a part of this event and donate 60,000 pounds of food. There are 13 million children in the United States experiencing hunger. Tyson’s biggest cause is to help the children.”

Charger players joined more than 40 other volunteers around the community as they pitched in to fight hunger. Lift Up America and Tyson showed their appreciation for the visibility the Chargers brought to the event.

“We’re grateful to partner with such visible influences in the community to make a difference in the lives of those who need it,” said Lift Up America’s Fred Carpenter. “We want to give them hope and comfort and let them know we care and are here for them.”

In addition to the food distribution event, several other Chargers took time to give back on their only day off of the week.

Tuesday was a special day for Kody Blankenbeckler, a third grader at Miller Elementary in Escondido. Blankenbeckler was the local winner of the NFL’s Take a Player to School sweepstakes. Chargers tight end Antonio Gates picked Blankenbeckler up in a limousine Tuesday morning and escorted him to school.

The three-time Pro Bowler visited Blankenbeckler’s class and learned about many of the projects they are currently working on. Gates then attended a school-wide assembly where he was introduced by Blankenbeckler. After Gates spoke with the students, he led Blankenbeckler’s class in an activity on the playground where he discussed the importance of physical fitness.

The NFL and JCPenney donated funds to support afterschool programs at Miller Elementary. The donations will provide enhanced health and fitness opportunities and give children the chance to benefit from programs that encourage the development of healthy lifestyles, improved social skills and enhanced academic performance.

Finally, center Cory Withrow was joined by four of his teammates Tuesday afternoon at Rady Children’s Hospital. Guard Scott Mruczkowski, punter Mike Scifres, guard Mike Goff and linebacker Nick Roach took part in Withrow’s “Cory’s Kids” event where he makes a visit to the hospital once a month.

The morning started off in the Starlight/Starbright Playroom where many of the children gathered to meet and talk with the players. Outfitted with photos and sharpies, the players maneuvered around the room laughing with the children and signing autographs.

In an effort to reach out to as many children as possible, Cory and his teammates then divided up into three groups. The players worked their way through the hospital visiting the Hematology/Oncology Unit, Infusion Center, Critical Care Unit, Medical/Surgical Unit, and the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit. Before entering each room the guys huddled over a wagon filled with teddy bears to pick out a bear to give to each child they visited.

The morning was filled with joy and hope, as many of the children visited were able to come face to face with these bigger-than-life men.

“Making a dream come true or giving a child hope makes these visits worth while,” said Withrow. “We are extremely lucky as professional athletes and its visits like this that are very humbling.”

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