Giving back is an important aspect year round, but around the holidays when the need is greater and funds are stretched to the max, it’s invaluable.
That is exactly why Steelers players have been doing their part helping families in need at Thanksgiving.
Linebackers 
Woodley provided turkeys and all of the trimmings for 300 families in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood, allowing them the opportunity to have Thanksgiving dinner as a family. Woodley, along with teammates
“Giving back is always important, especially in a time of need,” said Woodley, who teamed with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to select those who received turkeys. “Looking at the economy and the way it is we want to help people out any way we can help out.
“People come here and get a turkey and are able to get some other things to have a great dinner on Thanksgiving.”
Woodley’s efforts aren’t just limited to Pittsburgh. While he was home in Saginaw, Michigan during the team’s bye weekend, Woodley distributed the basic home necessities to those in need. Among the items he provided were those not covered by food benefits, including napkins, plates, cups, dish detergent, trash bags, toothpaste, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, hand soap and more to 500 families in his hometown.
“It’s important to give back,” said Woodley, who pays for the items for both giveaways. “Thanksgiving is coming up, Christmas is coming up, and hopefully this lets them keep a little more money in their pockets with the holidays coming.”
Starks also worked with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, as he and his wife Tiffany hosted the annual Max Starks & His Home Team Thanksgiving Celebration which provided 300 needy families with the makings for Thanksgiving dinner.
“I think it’s an important event, especially with the idea of family at Thanksgiving,” said Starks. “For us to be able to give and help the families in need is important. You look at the economy and the changes the last year and you hope to brighten at least a couple of family’s lives. We are thankful the life we have and to be able to share it with other individuals.”
Starks also understands how many of those served by the food banks are young children, something that tugs at his heart strings.
“There is a significant need for children to have those daily nutrients, to be fueled up and powered up and ready to go to school the next day,” said Starks. “It’s sad numbers, but hopefully through other individuals like my teammates we can make a difference during the holiday season.”
Each family received a turkey and all of the fixings, with Giant Eagle teaming with Starks to provide the items. In addition to Starks and his wife, Trai and Christina Essex and Batch helped to distribute the food.
“It’s important to be out here helping,” said Batch. “You see the smiles and people say thank you and that is what it’s all about. They want to talk some football and they are excited about the games. It’s just a good way for us to come out here and show our appreciation for the community.”
The food bank serves 11 counties in the Western Pennsylvania area and their numbers increase monthly. Last year they were seeing 2,500 new households each month and this year that number has increased to 3,500 new families monthly.
“The generosity of this community is overwhelming especially this time of year when so many people are struggling with the basic necessities of life, but especially now when people might go without a holiday meal,” said Jermaine Husser, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank CEO. “So many families that we are seeing come through our food pantries are looking for hope, healing and health through food. Many of them during this holiday season go without that because they struggling with the basic necessities of life.
“These events are significant for those families to ensure they are able to create those same memories as those fortunate enough to have food on the table.”
“It’s a good feeling to know you can help people out in that type of way,” said Farrior. “I know growing up I never missed a Thanksgiving meal, I always had a hot meal on my table. I want to try and provide that to anybody that is less fortunate than me that needs help in that area. I try to give out as many turkey dinners as I can.”
The foundation identifies needy families who are provided with an entire Thanksgiving dinner – including turkey, potatoes, rolls, stuffing, vegetables, macaroni and cheese and more.
“We have a lot of underprivileged families and kids we try to work with and identify in the early step of the process,” said Farrior. “There are a lot of people unemployed, struggling. I am just trying to do my part. In this time of need, when unemployment is high, you want to try to support the community as much as you can.”
Mundy partnered with UPMC’s Dignity and Respect Campaign to distribute turkeys and the fixings to 100 families at the Rankin Christian Center, an area right outside of Pittsburgh where Mundy grew up.
“It was a great opportunity to help people in need,” said Mundy. “It’s the season of giving and being thankful and I am thankful to be in the position to help other people out.”
Mundy, who was joined at the event by Batch, enjoyed the opportunity to give back to those in his former school district and is pleased to know many will have a blessed Thanksgiving.
“When everybody else around you has a nice meal you can feel included in that because you have a nice meal,” said Mundy. “I was happy to get out there and help some people out.”
