Nov 25, 2008 6:48 pm US/Eastern
Ravens Star Works To Make Thanksgiving Happy
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
-
-
Planning Thanksgiving dinner will come without delay or dismay for thousands of Baltimore families this week, thanks to a special holiday gift from one of the Ravens' star players.
CBS
Planning Thanksgiving dinner will come without delay or dismay for thousands of Baltimore families this week, thanks to a special holiday gift from one of the Ravens' star players.
Gigi Barnett explains the donation is a buffer during hard economic times.
A full box means a full stomach for some Baltimore families this Thanksgiving. At the end of the line is Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis, handing out turkeys and hugs. His mission is Operation Thanksgiving Blessing, his holiday food drive.
"Helping people is part of my mission and any way I can do it, I do it," he said.
Inside the boxes go green beans, potatoes and even Girl Scout cookies--Thin Mints.
Without the donation, Thanksgiving wouldn't happen for Lisa Taylor. She's been out of work for six months.
"I have eight in my family so it's very needed. I'm not working and my husband works part-time, so it's very needed. I'm very, very grateful," she said.
Lewis knows it and says that's why his holiday turkey program is still going strong after eight years.
"It's supposed to be all about giving back and that's what life is about," he said.
More than 1,000 families will receive these boxes filled with bread, turkey and even water.
"This is something that we take for granted that means everything to these people. We don't even think about it. We just run to the cabinet and grab something. These people look forward to it. This is a big event for them," said volunteer Jim Harrington.
Ravens' player Mark Clayton also teamed up with Lewis to provide the donations.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
