Chargers pitch in to help

Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Safety Clinton Hart spent most of his day at Qualcomm Stadium where thousands of people have made temporary homes while wildfires continue to sweep through San Diego County.  Hart helped distribute food, water and supplies to those supplanted from their homes.  He also dished out smiles and hugs and signed countless autographs.

“It was good to see people keeping their chins up and staying positive through a tough time,” Hart said.  “I wanted to go down there and encourage people.  I spent a lot of time talking to people who were away from the crowds and hanging out by themselves.  I had some really good conversations.”

Hart also spent several hours at Qualcomm Stadium Monday night.  He was so encouraged by the hundreds of fellow volunteers that gave their time to helping others that he decided to go back Tuesday.

“Everything was really organized down there,” Hart said.  “It felt really good to see people coming together and helping each other.  That’s what it’s all about, helping your brothers and sisters in times of need.”

Chargers Director of Player Outreach Dick Lewis and much of the team’s security staff also spent Monday night at Qualcomm and returned Tuesday evening.  The group took toys for the children and passed out fruit and water.  Lewis was taking a saxophone player from his “Time Out Band” Tuesday to perform for those gathered.

“The most important thing we can do right now is help each other,” Lewis said.  “I just want to see people smile.”

Several other Chargers spent the day with their families before departing for Phoenix Tuesday evening.  The team was scheduled to arrive around 7:30 p.m.  The Bolts will hold their first practice of the week Wednesday afternoon at the Arizona Cardinals’ practice facility.