Community Corner: Giving from the heart

Thursday, January 12Giving from the heart: Arthur Maulet knows how important it is to give back, especially when it comes to giving back to people who are in the same situation he was once in. Maulet visited Second Avenue Commons, a shelter in Pittsburgh’s downtown area for those experiencing homelessness. He distributed coats to people to help fight off the bitter cold winter temperatures in Pittsburgh and spent time talking to people, and even more importantly, listening to them. And for Maulet, it was personal as he himself experienced homelessness when he was growing up in New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward, a story he shared during the season. “Tough neighborhood. Didn’t have much,” said Maulet. “I was the oldest of five, two brothers, two sisters. Just trying to survive. Welfare family. No mother. Mother on drugs. Dad not in my life. My grandfather took care of us when we were smaller. “I was homeless for a point in time in my life. Sleeping on a church bus. Dropped out of school twice. A long road.” That is why Maulet has made it his passion to give back to others battling similar circumstances. “It’s very important to me,” said Maulet. “It’s close to my heart. Something that I have been through, so I know what they are going through. For me to be in the position I am now and being able to give back, I think it’s a must. It’s a core value in my life to give back to people in need. People being homeless is close to my heart. “I am just trying to take care of people, be there for them, let them know they aren’t forgotten, and somebody is thinking about them.” For Maulet, spending time at the shelter was a key as he wanted people to know he is there to help. “Anything I do as far as giving back I want to be hands on,” said Maulet. “That is a must for me. I am a ground guy. I want to be in the mix. I don’t want to just donate and not be a helping hand. It means a lot for me to be there. I will continue to be there with anything where I am giving back.”Thursday, January 5Coming together: The Steelers continued their Social Justice film screening program on Thursday evening, holding the most recent one at the August Wilson African American Culture Center. Punter Pressley Harvin III and quarterback Mitch Trubisky hosted the screening, which also included a tour of the August Wilson African American Culture Center. They also held a discussion with the students who attended the screening. The program was launched in 2021 by the team’s Social Justice Committee, with players joining youth from local schools and community groups, giving them an opportunity to talk about issues in society that are currently impacting them.Tuesday, January 3Giving support: Tyson Alualu and his wife, Desire, visited the Teen Parent Program at Brashear High School in Pittsburgh, talking with the students about their experiences and providing them the encouragement and support they need. Alualu and his wife also made a donation to each of those taking part to help them with the challenges they face, challenges they can understand first hand as they were young parents. “It’s part of our story, me and my wife,” said Alualu. “It’s something God put in her heart, and once she mentioned it, I thought I wish we had done this earlier. That’s a big part of how we started our journey. We understand the struggle of having kids early and having to grow up with that. "We wanted to share our story and provide hope, helping kids understand they can still live out their dreams if they have the right people around them and the right mindset. It wasn’t just my story; it was my wife’s story which connected with a lot of the teen moms. It meant a lot to us.”2022 EventsFriday, December 16A warm welcome: Pittsburgh is a city that is welcoming to immigrants and refugees, and on Friday two Steelers players who immigrated to the United States themselves spoke to a group of students going through the same thing. Safety Karl Joseph spoke to students from ARYSE, an organization that began in 2013 as a grassroots effort led by local refugee leaders and University of Pittsburgh undergraduate students who realized that the refugee youth they were tutoring were experiencing unique challenges in an educational system that was not designed for them. The program has grown by leaps and bounds, and Joseph was there to let them know what they can accomplish through believing in themselves. Joseph was born in Haiti and came to the United States when he was 13, experiencing challenges along the way. “This was a great opportunity for me,” said Joseph. “I was born in Haiti. I couldn’t pass up the chance to speak to them, coming from the same environment. Not a lot who come from Haiti make it here. I am hoping I can be a light to somebody, some young boy, who might see me and see they can potentially get there with whatever they choose to do in life. I am proof of that. I came from that. “I came here when I was 13 and I have had good influences, my mom, dad, people in my life. Hopefully something I say or seeing me can impact me in a way I could never imagine, and they can realize they can do it too. “It doesn’t matter what your environment is, anything is possible. People come from different backgrounds. As long as you have people in your corner who believe in you and you believe in yourself, and you work hard and have perseverance, make good choices, good things will happen. I am passionate about that. I have seen kids make bad choices, kids no different than me, make bad choices.”Tuesday, December 13Hometown Huddle: Steelers players spent Tuesday afternoon at ACH Clear Pathway as a part of the team’s United Way Hometown Huddle. The Steelers have been taking part in the Hometown Huddle, done in conjunction with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, for over 20 years. The program brings the players and local youth together for fun activities that stress the importance of health and fitness, as well as the key to having fun activities in everyday life. Benny Snell Jr., Josh Jackson, Miles Boykin, Tre Norwood, Jamir Jones and Malik Reed took part, participating in stations that included a rock, paper, scissors challenge, an activity wheel, slime and making healthy snacks.Friday, December 9A dream come true: Friday was a dream come true for 13-year-old Ethan Amundsen, who was the guest of the Steelers to watch practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Amundsen, who is a diehard Steelers fan, is having a Pittsburgh everything weekend, with it starting off on Thursday with a tour of the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium. But watching practice on Friday was more than the shy Amundsen could have imagined. “I don’t even know how to put it into words,” said his mother, Whitney Amundsen. “My son had a kidney transplant in 2021 and this has been delayed because of COVID. We had this big build up for it. He fights every day. Having a bum kidney was just awful. “Seeing him watch these players that he idolizes makes me cry. He is happy. He is a shier kid because of all of the medical. He is not used to having the spotlight on him in a non-medical way. He tries to hide a lot because he is so used to everybody asking if he is okay all of the time. “For him to have it celebrated in a positive way and not a medical way, and for him to watch his idols, there is not words for that as a parent for your child.” The fun isn’t over yet, though. Amundsen and his family will be the guests of the Steelers at Sunday’s game against the Ravens at Acrisure Stadium.A special design: Defensive end Montravius Adams is taking part in My Cause My Cleats on Sunday when the Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium, and he is supporting his foundation, the Montravius Adams Legacy Foundation, to help those who grew up in a similar environment as he did – a single parent home. His mother was there for him for everything he needed growing up, and he wants to help other single mothers in similar situations, as well as kids. "I started the foundation through my experiences in life," said Adams. "It's about supporting single moms. That is my background and how I was raised. That is my main passion in life. It's about the single moms and also, I want to give back to kids. It goes 50-50 for me." Adams wanted to make his cleats unique, so on Friday he visited Center of Life, which supports people in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh as they strive to be strong and to make their community strong to have kids who are part of their programs paint his cleats.Spreading some joy: Guard Kendrick Green and punter Pressley Harvin III pulled off a big surprise on Friday with a family through Uplifting Athletes. Uplifting Athletes goal is to help families dealing with rare illnesses to harness the power of sports to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases. The Blaik family, who are dealing with someone with a rare disease, was treated to a tour of Acrisure Stadium and afterwards Green and Harvin surprised them with tickets to Sunday’s Steelers-Falcons game.Spreading some joy: Guard Kendrick Green and punter Pressley Harvin III pulled off a big surprise on Friday with a family through Uplifting Athletes. Uplifting Athletes goal is to help families dealing with rare illnesses to harness the power of sports to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases. The Blaik family, who are dealing with someone with a rare disease, was treated to a tour of Acrisure Stadium and afterwards Green and Harvin surprised them with tickets to Sunday’s Steelers-Falcons game.Tuesday, December 6Always giving back: On the day he was announced as the Steelers Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Cameron Heyward was doing something he loved. He was out in the community. “I am very thankful to be the Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee,” said Heyward. “I don’t take it lightly. I know I have a lot of great men in my locker room who give back. Being a Pittsburgh Steeler and seeing the guys who won the Walter Payton Man of the Year, guys nominated, it’s a history and tradition you want to be a part of. I would love to win but being among men who serve not only on the field but off the field as well, it’s pretty special.” Heyward was at Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, part of Pittsburgh Public Schools, the newest location for Craig’s Closet. Heyward launched Craig’s Closet in 2018 to honor his father, the late Craig ‘Ironhead’ Heyward, who died of brain cancer at age 39. Heyward played football at the University of Pittsburgh, and when he arrived as a freshman running back, he had only one suit, something he was grateful to at least have coming from a single-parent home with six siblings. With so many young men in Pittsburgh facing the same challenge of not having a suit that they could wear to a job interview, their internship, events and more, Heyward came up with a plan. Craig’s Closet provides free dress clothes to help young men as they move forward in life. “The idea came from my dad,” said Heyward. “When he grew up, he only had one suit. A lot of his friends didn’t have suits at all. This is a creative way we thought of to give back to the community and help prepare young men for jobs, or homecoming, moving forward in life. You never know how much a suit can help present yourself. “We’re just trying to prepare these kids for the future, helping out any way we can. Many young people in our community face that same plight as my father. I want them to know they are seen, heard and through this program we are there to support them as they push forward with their future goals. We want to raise the student’s level of confidence and sense of self. Like my dad used to always tell me, if you look good, you play good. Hopefully we can do that as well. They will be able to use the suits proudly at banquets, in internships, and formal events with their heads held high. “I am proud to continue his legacy of giving back and helping to move our community forward.” Heyward made a pledge to install one of Craig’s Closets in every Pittsburgh Public Schools high school location by the end of 2023. Vote for Heyward: Now through Jan. 8, 2023, fans can vote for Cam Heyward for the Walter Payton Man of the Year on Twitter by using the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge and including Heyward's last name and/or his Twitter handle anywhere within the tweet. All eligible tweets during the “double vote” window on January 3 and 4 will count twice. The player whose name is used the most during the contest with #WPMOYChallenge will receive a $25,000 contribution to his designated charity, while the second and third place finishers will receive $10,000 and $5,000 donations, respectively, all courtesy of Nationwide.Tuesday, November 29Helping at the holidays: Steelers Legends are among those giving back this holiday season, including Will Allen, Charlie Batch and Jerome Bettis. And Steelers fans can help. All three are providing toys and gifts for kids and families in the Pittsburgh community, and you can help by clicking on the links below. Will Allen Foundation The Will Allen Foundation Holiday Giving Program provides gift cards to youth from Clairton School District and Boys and Girls Clubs of Western PA to purchase gifts for their families. More than 60 volunteers join the foundation for a night of shopping and help kids select gifts for all of their family members. This program makes the difference between choosing to pay rent or the utility bill and having presents under the tree. Donate Now. Best of the Batch Foundation Batch-A-Toys is a community-wide program where Best of the Batch Foundation adopts more than 250 families from various counties and provides toys to children, essential household items to adults, and a holiday meal basket for the entire family. More than 8,000 toys and household items are donated through the Foundation’s incredible volunteers, donors, and partner sites; more than 250 volunteers at our annual Wrapping Party at the Clubhouse then wrap the donations. Donate Now. Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation The Bus Stops Here holiday toy drive is under way and fans can donate through their site. The foundation is working to provide education, sports, technology, and recreational opportunities to the underprivileged youth of the inner-city. The toy drive, though, helps kids and families who might not otherwise have something under the tree on Christmas morning. Donate Now.Friday, November 18Amazing strength: The strength, resiliency and courage that 14-year-old Morgan O’Connell shows is something that can be an inspiration to many, but on Friday he was inspired by his visit to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex where he was the guest of the Steelers through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. O’Connell, who is from Syracuse, N.Y., has Ewing Sarcoma, a form of cancer that has impacted him in many ways, including losing one of his legs. “Since I was young, football was my dream,” said O’Connell. “Going through cancer and losing my leg didn’t take that dream away from me but revamped how I had to get there. Meeting the Steelers and trying to introduce myself with the team and what they do was one of the greatest ways to get involved and back into football. I also wanted to meet some of my favorite players and a team I looked up to for a while and be a part of it.” O’Connell said the visit has inspired him, making him realize no dream is unattainable. “It is motivational,” said O’Connell. “Even though I had these challenges, if I can keep working and doing the stuff I am doing, I can get back here or find somewhere else to go that will get me that comfort that football and doing the things I love has given me.” O’Connell had the opportunity to meet many of the players, get autographs and pictures, and will be the guest of the team at Sunday’s game against the Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. “It’s overwhelming. It’s exciting,” said O’Connell. “It’s shocking and unexpected to be here. I knew I would be here, but it’s unexpected.”Tuesday, November 15Rescuing food to help others: Linebacker T.J. Watt returned to the playing field on Sunday, making his presence known in the Steelers win over the New Orleans Saints. Two days later he made his presence known in the Pittsburgh community, working hand in hand with 412 Food Rescue, an organization he has been affiliated with for several years now. “I always enjoy getting involved in the community, and 412 Food Rescue has been a great opportunity for me to get out there and let them know I care about what they are doing,” said Watt, who was joined by his wife Dani helping out. “I want to get involved as much as possible. 412 Food Rescue provides so many meals for families that don’t necessarily have the opportunity to afford food, especially with Thanksgiving and all of the holidays coming up. It’s a way to give back.” Watt helped to pack food at the Millvale Good Food Project, a hunger relief program operated by 412 Food Rescue that transforms surplus foods in healthy, heat-and-eat meals and groceries that are distributed to area residents dealing with food insecurity. Over 500 grocery bags are packed and disturbed weekly in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. “Food insecurity is something that people can’t always control their circumstances,” said Watt. “We understand everyone is trying their best, but sometimes you need a helping hand. That is what we are trying to provide. A lot of these families have young kids who don’t control the situation they are born into. To be able to help out as much as possible is awesome.” Watt began working with the agency in 2019, choosing to team with 412 Food Rescue, a Pittsburgh based organization that was founded as a response to the disconnect between food waste, hunger and environmental sustainability, because he knows the importance of having proper nutrition and not having to worry about where your next meal is coming from. The efforts of 412 Food Rescue are made possible by their affiliation with local distributors, mom and pop stores, chain restaurants and urban farms all with the goal of not letting quality food go to waste. “I think it’s important to let everyone know who is donating, those who might want to donate, that everything is getting used,” said Watt. “The food is not discarded. It’s going to good use and going to make a lot of people happy.”The silver lining: The Steelers continued their Social Justice film screening program on Tuesday morning at the AMC Loews Theater Waterfront. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward hosted the latest screening which featured the movie, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ the sequel to ‘Black Panther.’ Over 600 students from Pittsburgh Public Schools, as a part of a partnership with the Steelers, 1HOOD, Homewood Children’s Village, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Homeless Children’s Education Fund, A+ Schools, and Movie Scene Queen, are seeing the movie for free over two days, with a group of them taking part in the discussion with Fitzpatrick and Heyward. “I think it’s awesome providing kids not only the opportunity to see movies, but to see people of color in these really cool roles is huge,” said Heyward. “Then to be able to talk to them, it goes a long way. We talk to them about what built up to the movie, what transpires and just understanding people of color can thrive in these really cool opportunities.” The program was launched in 2021 by the team’s Social Justice Committee, with players joining youth from local schools and community groups, giving them an opportunity to talk about issues in society that are currently impacting them. “To see the positive side and find the silver lining is important,” said Heyward. “We provide different ways of how we can continue to have talks and grow.”Friday, November 11In her happy place: The smile, the expression, the complete joy on Chloe Fittro’s face and in her heart said it all. She was truly in her happy place on Friday afternoon. Fittro, a 15-year-old cancer patient from Clarksburg, West Virginia, was the guest of the Steelers at practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “It’s really special,” said Fittro. “I like meeting all of the players. My favorite players are Najee Harris and T.J. Watt and I get to meet them.” Fittro watched practice in the indoor practice field, and when it was over the entire team made their way to the sideline to say hi to her, take pictures and sign autographs, Watt even presenting her with signed gloves. “My family have been Steelers fans for a long time, and they got me to be one,” said Fittro. “I really enjoy watching them. I love how they all play together as one, how close they all are. This is just so special.” Fittro and her family will also be guests of the team at the Steelers-Saints game on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. “I am really excited,” she said with a squeal. “This is just so special. Just seeing the guys out there…I am going to melt.”Tuesday, November 8Getting their hands dirty: Steelers rookies spent Tuesday afternoon getting their hands dirty and it was all for a good cause. The players spent time at the Sheridan Avenue Orchard and Garden, a fruit and vegetable producing garden in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood. The Sheridan Avenue Orchard and Garden was developed in 2012, turning an abandoned lot into an urban garden by Repair the World Pittsburgh. It has since grown from a vacant lot to have more than 20 fruit trees and 18 garden beds, where neighbors can get free produce like tomatoes and peppers, as well as items being donated to the local food pantry. The job at hand was helping to complete a pathway that will make the garden more accessible for residents, a project that was started by Cameron Heyward and some of his veteran teammates during Cam’s Kindness Week in October. “They worked on the path to make it more accessible for the community to come and learn about food justice and participate in making food more available to the community while building relationships with each other,” said Jules Mallis, executive director of Repair the World Pittsburgh. “Repair the World Pittsburgh supports a lot of community gardens and food justice initiatives. This one at Sheridan in particular supports the local community through harvesting about 400 to 500 pounds of produce a year that comes fresh from this space and then goes immediately to the East End Cooperative Food pantry. “This season we are building out the pathway so people have an easier time getting through the space. Folks can feel welcome to visit and pick fruit right from a tree.”Mixing it up: Offensive lineman James Daniels understands the importance of being out in the community, giving back and making an impact. That is why he kicked off a new reading program, visiting local Boys & Girls Clubs to spend time reading to the kids, but also being a positive influence on them. “I thought it would be a nice thing to do,” said Daniels. “I have free time on Tuesdays and it’s nice to always give back, do things like this. When you get there, you see how important it is to the kids and the directors of the Boys & Girls Club. It’s always nice to see how much it means to them. It makes me happy I can have an impact and affect people’s days. It takes such a small part of my day to have that impact.” This week he was at the Boys & Girls Club in Duquesne, where he read to the kids, but also spent time having fun with them in the gym. “I read for 30 minutes and the other 30 minutes we are in the gym playing basketball or some type of sport,” said Daniels. “I remember when I was a kid it was tough to just sit there and listen to someone read. It’s nice to have that balance, play basketball, throw around the football. It means a lot to them. “I enjoy it a lot. It brings a smile to my face how I can have an impact on their day.”Friday, October 28Trick or treat: It was a ghoulish good time for Steelers players and the kids at The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center on Friday afternoon, with plenty of Halloween treats on tap. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky, receiver Gunner Olszewski, and offensive linemen Mason Cole, Trent Scott and J.C. Hassenauer stopped by along with their wives to visit with the kids and do Halloween arts and crafts and have some holiday fun. “It’s important to give back to the community,” said Trubisky. “This is a fun way to do so. I’ve done visits in the past at places like this. You want to bring a smile to faces, light up their day with what they are going through and bring some happiness to their parents. You want to bring hope and joy when you do these things and take their minds off the day-to-day things. Doing this means a lot to my wife and I and we are just happy to help out.” After a tour of the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, which has a mission to promote the health and well-being of infants and children through services that establish and strengthen the family, it was all fun and games. The players interacted with kids who are part of the Child’s Way day care program and smiles were plentiful. “It's always fun to do stuff like this,” said Scott. “It makes you remember when you were a kid and you loved doing these activities. I have a three-year old daughter, and she has the time of her life doing these things too.”Tuesday, October 25Keeping kids warm this winter: On an unseasonably warm fall day in Pittsburgh, with temperatures in the 70s, brilliant sunshine, and fall colors sparkling through the trees, it’s hard to think about what lies ahead. As we all know, though, winter is coming and that means cold, wet weather and brutal conditions. With that in mind, getting prepared is a key. Everyone needs the warm gear to deal with the Pittsburgh winter, but sadly not everyone has the means or ability to secure warm winter outwear. That is why the Steelers partnered with Project Bundle-Up on Tuesday to take kids shopping for clothes to keep them warm and dry all winter long. Steelers players were partnered with kids through the Salvation Army Corps to pick out new coats, hats, gloves and boots at Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Waterfront. “I enjoyed it a lot,” said tight end Pat Freiermuth. “Being around the kids, seeing their faces light up and their smiles when we walked in. It was great to be around them and get to know them. It was cool being a part of the event, especially the first time I took part in it. I really enjoyed it. “Being where I am from, I had to wait at the bus stop too. I am thankful that I had a coat, boots, all of the stuff to stay warm. It’s huge we were able to give back to them and allow them to get all of the stuff necessary to be warm this winter.” The Salvation Army’s Project Bundle-Up is a program started by two late Pittsburgh staples, Patricia Rooney, the wife of late Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, and Joe DeNardo, the former WTAE-TV weatherman. This is the 37th year for the program and there is one thing that has been consistent all along, the day is special for the kids and the players alike. “I had just as much fun as the eighth-grader I was with,” said defensive lineman Chris Wormley. “We had a blast together. Not only being able to get a nice coat, boots and shoes for her, but being able to talk about her life. Her family just came from Atlanta, so she was really excited to get stuff for this Pittsburgh winter. It means a lot to be able to give back. To be involved with it, see the smiles on the kids faces, it was really cool.” The idea behind Project Bundle-Up, which has helped nearly 295,000 individuals since it’s inception, is to provide outerwear for kids and senior citizens from low-income households throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. For many families with multiple kids, it takes a heavy burden off them, allowing them to provide other necessities for the family. “I know a lot of the kids that were there were brothers and sisters. The little girl I was with, her younger sister and brother were there,” said Wormley. “Knowing that their parents don’t have to worry about Christmas coming up, Thanksgiving and the holidays, and things like that. They don’t have to worry about bigger ticket items, like coats and boots, that is what is special to be a part of. “If you walk to school, and I remember days in Toledo, Ohio when I would walk to elementary school and it was only two blocks, but if you didn’t have a hat, coats and boots, it wasn’t a fun walk. Those kids will appreciate it. “It was also special because they got to pick things out. Everything they got they chose. It wasn’t just handed to them. They were able to have a say and have a spin on their winter gear.” Having that say in what they got made it an interesting challenge for fullback Derek Watt, who shopped with twin six-year-old sisters who wanted everything identical. Unfortunately, they hit a snag along the way. “Being able to get those kids the necessities they need going into the winter, the colder season here in Pittsburgh,” said Watt. “It was also special to walk around with them, hear their stories a little bit and help them pick out some things they can be excited about, that will keep them warm when they play in the snow and head to school. It’s completely necessary to have the warm coat, boots and stuff for the cold and the snow. “The kids don’t always understand it, they don’t always want to pick out the jacket and warm stuff. I was shopping with twin girls and the one wanted gloves that would not have kept them very warm. I tried to tell her if she went out to play in the snow, they wouldn’t be waterproof, they would get wet and cold. We ended up picking different gloves. “They wanted everything the same and they didn’t like any of the hats. They finally found one they liked, but there was only one, so it was a crisis for us. We ended up having to find some middle ground. We ended up settling on a different one that they enjoyed, so it was good. They got all their stuff and had enough for a sweatshirt as well. They ended up getting suited up.” Also taking part in the shopping were linebacker T.J. Watt, quarterback Mitch Trubisky, tight end Zach Gentry, offensive lineman J.C. Hassenauer, cornerback Arthur Maulet, safety Karl Joseph and linebacker Chapelle Russell.Cooking up a storm: Throughout the month of October, Steelers players have been cooking up a storm for breast cancer patients and survivors as a part of the Healthy Cooking Demo done in conjunction with UPMC. The third cooking class was held at the YWCA in the Homewood area and was a hit with the patients and players alike. “I got a phone call from my doctor’s office, and they told me there was this great opportunity to meet the Steelers and learn about healthy eating, which is a good part of going through the cancer process,” said Ashley Summers from Crafton, Pa. “I was really excited because we are huge Steelers fans, so it was a win-win both ways. “It was neat. It was cool to get their feedback about how they eat, how nutrition is good for them on the field and off the field. It was neat to learn together.” Breast cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and UPMC Hillman were treated to a ‘cooking competition’ between Steelers offensive linemen John Leglue and Trent Scott. The players prepared a healthy option for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And the key ingredients were quinoa and kale. “I do a little cooking in my spare time,” said Scott. “It was awesome to come out and show these guys some different recipes they can use. I actually learned myself some ways to use kale and quinoa in recipes, so it was great. I really enjoyed it. “They enjoyed it. some of them it was new to them, it was new to me too. Everybody enjoyed the recipes, and I will use them at home myself.” While the nutrition aspect is the biggest component, giving those who are going or have gone through a traumatic time a bit of a break is also equally important. “Any time you can give them relief, a good time, and see us outside our uniforms, see our personalities, it is good,” said Scott. “We got to answer some questions. It was good to have one-on-one time with them.”Tuesday, October 18Cooking from the heart: Football players love to eat, and some of them don’t even mind cooking. Especially when it’s for a good cause. On Tuesday, the Steelers held their second Healthy Cooking Demo this season, done in conjunction with UPMC as a part of breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and UPMC Hillman were treated to a ‘cooking competition’ between Steelers defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk and linebacker Robert Spillane. “My cooking skills are very basic,” said Loudermilk, who predicted Spillane is the better cook. “I only really cook when my girlfriend is in town, so it’s not a lot. I don’t know a lot about cooking, but I can make simple stuff, but not much beyond that. “I enjoy cooking. I cook every now and then, but I feel like Spillane cooks a lot more than me.” The main message though wasn’t who is the better cook, rather stressing the importance of a healthy diet for breast cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment. “That is a big reason why I got into cooking in college. I wanted to have a healthy, tasty option,” said Spillane. “I thought I could do that in the kitchen, combining different flavors, using spices, coming up with new recipes. I have always enjoyed eating first and foremost, but when it’s eating healthy and it still tastes good, it’s a double plus. “I enjoy cooking. It’s a time to bring people together to share conversations. Any time I get a chance to cook, I love those opportunities.” Among those helping the players with the cooking were chefs from UPMC, as well as Steelers executive chef Kevin Blinn. The players prepared a healthy option for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And the key ingredients were quinoa and kale. “I love doing this,” said Blinn. “It’s great we get to support the cancer survivors. And it’s great to see our players out and about in the community. It’s good for our bodies to eat healthy and being a cancer survivor, you always have to watch what you eat. We do the same thing here at the Steelers, cook healthy so everyone watches what they put in their bodies.” The cooking demo, held at the Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium, took on special meaning for both players as they have someone close to them impacted by breast cancer. “For me this means a lot because my mom is a breast cancer survivor,” said Loudermilk of his mother Stacy Howell. “When I was in high school, junior and senior year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That has always been something close to my heart, being able to visit with women and talk to the survivors. “It means a lot to me because I have gone through that with my mom. I am super close to her. I know she was struggling when she went through it. I know because I was in high school, she tried to keep that from me and the rest of my siblings. I pay attention to things, and I saw how much she was struggling with it. For me to be able to go out and do things to help support this cause means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to her too.” Spillane has seen the impact and strength of survivors from Lori Hague, the mother of his fiancé, Shelby Hague. “People that have gone through that and fought that fight, I take this as an honor to spend the afternoon with them,” said Spillane. “My fiancé’s mom had breast cancer and anytime I think of somebody who has overcome that fight, I think of her. Lori is a beautiful woman who has gone through a lot, but she won her fight with breast cancer and has moved on. I am really excited that I got to do this and help others.”A critical conversation: The Steelers hosted their first Social Justice Roundtable this week at the Community Kitchen in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood. The monthly roundtable was established to introduce the players to social justice issues in the society that are impacting many in the community, as well as give them a platform to discuss topics that are close to them. The topic for the first one was criminal justice and juvenile justice reform, with a good portion of the conversation focusing on how being wrongly accused can change a person’s entire life. They also talked about expungement as a part of the reform system, which is “The process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal record. An expungement order directs the court to treat the criminal conviction as if it had never occurred, essentially removing it from a defendant’s criminal record as well as, ideally, the public record,” per the American Bar Association. Members of the Steelers Social Justice Committee, including Kendrick Green, Pressley Harvin and Cameron Sutton, joined representatives from the Players Coalition, PA Innocence Project, who represent people who were wrongly convicted, and Community Kitchen, who provide job training, housing support and mental health resources for people who were previously incarcerated and are trying to re-enter society. Also on hand were individuals who were wrongly accused of crimes, and in one case it took 20 years before he was freed from jail. “Being able to hear what these guys said, from their point of view and their stories and the injustice the system has, it was eye-opening,” said Harvin. “It kind of made me upset. I don’t think it’s that hard to do the right thing for people. It’s a societal thing where doing the right thing isn’t even a thing anymore. “The biggest take away for me was a perfect world is never perfect. You have to find ways to make a difference. I have to use my voice to make a change, help push things that need to be handled quicker rather than later. That was my takeaway. It was really eye-opening.” Green said listening to the stories from those on hand made him realize that change is needed, and starting the conversation was a good first step for him. “I felt their frustration,” said Green. “I felt empathetic towards those guys. I couldn’t imagine going through something like that. It was great to hear their stories. Some of the things they were speaking about was crazy. There is a lot of room for change. “It starts by showing up and hearing their stories, using our platform to let their stories be heard. And take steps to change things, the reason they are behind bars.”Friday, October 14Wishes do come true: He waited two years and traveled over 2,000 miles, but Friday afternoon made it all worthwhile for Gary Ludwig. Ludwig, a 14-year-old from Los Angeles, California, was the guest of the Steelers at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Friday through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “I always liked their colors,” said Ludwig. “That is how it started. I like it here a lot. I love the Steelers. I am really happy.” Ludwig couldn’t stop smiling as he watched practice, met players and got autographs and pictures with them. Ludwig, who has Wegener's Granulomatosis, will also be the guest of his team at Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. “There are no words to express the joy I have seeing my son happy,” said his mother, Clemencia Ludwig, who was emotional while talking. “He has been looking forward to this. Just him being here really is a wish come true. This is what he wanted. He loves the Steelers. Being from California he has never been here. But this is just amazing.”Tuesday, October 11Cooking for a cause: Football and good food go hand-in-hand, and that was the case on Tuesday when Montravius Adams and J.C. Hassenauer took part in the annual Healthy Cooking Demo with UPMC as a part of breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and UPMC Hillman were treated to a ‘cooking competition’ between the two Steelers players, with everyone a winner as they got some useful tips for preparing healthy and tasty meals. One of the key factors for survivors and patients, in addition to the treatment, is maintaining a healthy diet and good nutrition. And what better way to deliver the message than from a few Steelers players. “I think it’s really cool,” said survivor Alexis Dedmon from Lewistown, Pa. “They are pretty busy during the season. For them to take the time and show us support, a lot of us have been through a lot, so it meant a lot. “For me the biggest struggle I have had is changing my diet to a healthy diet. This helped me out a lot. I am super excited to try these recipes on my own. I think it was pretty fabulous.” The cooking demo, which was held at the Best of the Batch Foundation headquarters, featured two players with much different experience in the kitchen. Adams is a newbie when it comes to cooking, while it’s a passion for Hassenauer. “This was a great experience,” said Adams. “For me, someone who has never been in the kitchen, it was a blessing. Especially learning how to cook some healthy foods. Just seeing the people that came out today, it’s a feeling of being blessed. I appreciate them. We have been struggling a little bit, but to be on the other end of life with people who have been through different things is an eye opener and a blessing to do it.” Hassenauer, who often shares his cooking ventures on his social media accounts, felt comfortable in the kitchen but even felt better giving back. “It means a lot. It’s a passion of mine,” said Hassenauer. “To be able to share that with other people is awesome. It’s cool to give back, help out those people that might need a little boost. “It’s a true blessing to come out here and cook and do some healthier meals for the cancer patients and survivors. It’s good to see them gear up and smile whenever we come in there. We are everyday people, but to them we are more than that. It’s cool to put a smile on their face, cook a meal with them and share some time with them.” With the help of some professional chefs, including Steelers executive chef Kevin Blinn, the players prepared a healthy option for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “It means a lot to the patients,” said Lisa Washington, nurse manager for the Women’s Cancer Center at Magee. “The patients love the Steelers. We are all Steelers fans. It is just a wonderful thing for them to come out to spend time with us here at the event, answer questions. They are just great. We appreciate everything they do for the patients. “Our cancer patients are still going through chemo and need a break sometimes. This makes them feel like they are still a part of the community, still a part of life. They are able to enjoy everything with the Steelers coming.”Tuesday, October 4Coming together to make a difference: The Steelers Social Justice Committee held one of their ‘Meeting at the 50-Yard Line’ roundtable events on Tuesday afternoon at Penn Hills High School. ‘Meeting at the 50-Yard Line’ is done in conjunction with the Neighborhood Resilience Project, a program that began in 2021 to help students resolve conflicts in healthy ways and to encourage them to purse educational excellence. The group Alex Highsmith talked with were all football players, and he shared a bond with them that made it easy to get his message across. “Before we even started the conversation, I talked with them a little bit about football and stuff,” said Highsmith. “That was the introduction to the conversation. I just wanted to preach to them about hard work. I believe that is what has gotten me to where I am today. I know they all have dreams and aspirations to go to the NFL, but I told them they have to have a backup plan and that is why an education is so important. Everyone in the league is talented. They wouldn’t be there if they weren’t. The ones who are great are the guys that do the extra work, watch extra film and really love what they do. You see guys who don’t make it because they aren’t focused. I wanted to inspire them to fall in love with what they do and work hard.” Guard Kevin Dotson and punter Pressley Harvin also took part, each talking to a group of students and answering their questions, which ranged from if they faced adversity growing up, had any issues with trauma from gun violence in their lives and what kind of challenges they overcame to get where they are today. “The biggest thing I talked about was everything big starts out small, the sky is the limit, but the most important message I shared was handle your business,” said Harvin. “No matter what you have going on, always handle your personal, school, sports life. Handle everything appropriately that can make you successful and set you up for life and how to treat other people.” One of the purposes of the discussion on Tuesday was about encouraging the students to exhibit positive behavior in the classroom, as well as in their lives away from school. And part of that is who you associate yourself with. “One of the questions was what is a sign of a good friend,” said Highsmith. “I told them it’s who you surround yourself with. I truly believe that. I told them surround yourself with good people who will push you to be your best and encourage you no matter what. They will be by your side. I have seen so many guys that were talented and good people but got involved with the wrong crowd. I told them I see potential in all of them, and if they surround themselves with the right crowd the sky is the limit.” The players were able to easily connect with the students, sharing stories with each other and opening up and feeling comfortable. “I did feel encouraged,” said Harvin. “It was a good group. They were engaged. I was sitting right in front of them, asking them questions, them asking me questions. I opened up about my personal life, everything going on last year with (the loss of) my dad and grandmother. When you talk to youth, you have to relate to them. I had a couple of seniors in the group, and I am only seven years out of high school, so it was easier to relate. I was trying to show them that no matter what goes on in life, be positive and a good influence in school and in the community. “It's not hard for me to open up and try and help people get through difficult times. I told them don’t be shy. I don’t want this to be them just asking me questions. I was there for them. I wanted to show them I am in the NFL, but I have things I have gone through that I can help them through that might change their thought process of how they go through things.”Leaving a mark: The kids at Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School got their day off to a great start on Tuesday when Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi stopped by. Ogunjobi was there to distribute backpacks and school supplies to the kids, something he was passionate about doing as giving back is a top priority for him. “It’s always good to give back,” said Ogunjobi. “I think it’s good to be a part of young kids lives and allow them to see some of the good they look up to give back. I think it’s important to leave a mark on the community, show the kids it’s important to pay it forward. “Education is really important and to be able to give back is a blessing.” The reaction he received from the kids was one of joy, happiness and excitement, and having the opportunity to interact with the kids and bring that reaction truly warmed his heart. “I think representation is very important and presence is even more important,” said Ogunjobi. “Being able to see the person, shake their hand, see them, be in their presence. It puts a name to a face. “I feel like in basketball and other sports where they don’t have a helmet on, they can see that person and know who they are. When you can take the helmet off and show a human side of us, being there for them is really important for the kids.”Full circle: The energy was high at Pittsburgh Student Achievement Center (SAC) on Tuesday morning as cornerback Arthur Maulet spent time with the students, and also provided them with some key school supplies. Maulet visited SAC, which is a part of Pittsburgh Public Schools, as part of an Adopt-A-School Presentation and to distribute Power Tool Homework kits to the students. “When I was a kid back in New Orleans, it was kind of hard to have school supplies, have someone to look for to give us school supplies, something like this once a year,” said Maulet. “I can remember by Thanksgiving and Christmas, we didn’t have any new notebooks, new pencils, new anything. We would have to look forward to somebody having extra, or a teacher giving us something to be able to be comfortable and have our own things in school. “For me to be able to give back to the community, help those in need, it’s something I need to do, something I want to do.” For Maulet, having it come full circle from being the one who needed the school supplies to having the ability to give back is something he doesn’t take for granted. “That is what it’s all about,” said Maulet. “Pittsburgh blessed me by signing me to a multi-year contract and that is just one of the things I have on my list that I have to do to give back to this community to show that I am grateful for what they have given me.”Friday, September 30Making a wish come true: Sometimes words aren’t needed and that was the case on Friday when 16-year-old Stacy Garnette Jr. saw Steelers running back Najee Harris coming towards him. Garnette just had a shy smile as Harris embraced him in a hug, posed for pictures, and along with all of his teammates signed autographs for him. Garnette, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, was the guest of the Steelers through the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to watch practice and then meet some of his favorite players, Harris in particular. “It means a lot to him after all he has been through with his cancer treatment,” said his mother, Danielle Means. “It’s a good day for him. He wanted to be a part of this. “The Steelers have been his favorite team since he was little. He wanted to come to a game. I am glad he did.” Garnette had to wait a few years for the wish to be granted because of COVID protocols, but the family was happy to make the trip from Pine Ridge, South Dakota for the weekend, which will include seeing the Steelers play the New York Jets on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. “He wanted it for two years,” said Means. “They gave him other options to do other things, but he was going to wait. It's rewarding. It’s really rewarding to see him smile and be happy.”Dinner for a cause: Running back Najee Harris hosted a dinner on Friday night to benefit his Da Bigger Picture Foundation. Harris started the foundation to assist underserved families in reaching their potential and goals. The Foundation’s goal is to provide tools and assistance to families facing challenging times. Some of the key areas of focus are education, homelessness, addressing hunger and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills. The event brought together the Red Meat Lover’s Club and fans at Sullivan Steak House, where they were able to mingle with Harris and his teammates and enjoy a relaxing evening of good food. “It's important to me because it’s something I like doing,” said Harris. “It’s not something I have to do, it’s something I want to do. It’s something that I really focus on when I am out of football, in the offseason, it’s something I do. “This is stuff I do for fun. I like this stuff because it makes me happy. It puts a smile on people’s faces, kid’s faces, and it’s for a good cause.”Tuesday, September 27An opportunity to spread knowledge: The Steelers continued their Social Justice film screening program on Tuesday night at the Rangos Giant Cinema at the Carnegie Science Center. The program was launched in 2021 by the team’s Social Justice Committee, with players joining youth from local community groups, giving them an opportunity to talk about issues in society that are currently impacting them. Cornerback Cameron Sutton, guard Kevin Dotson and safety Elijah Riley hosted the latest screening, which brought about honest and open conversation. “It’s amazing,” said Sutton. “It’s an opportunity to spread knowledge that they are not necessarily familiar with, knowledge that might be hidden to them. Things they aren’t aware of that can be close to their communities and their outer communities as well. It’s the chance to continue to spread the knowledge, the love and bring people together through life situations and societal circumstances. Things we go through in life on a day-to-day basis that we can come together on and agree or disagree, but still move in the right direction to make the world a better place.” Sutton chose the movie, Judas and the Black Messiah, which focuses on the last year in the life of Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Black Panther Party in Illinois and an activist who was killed in 1969 by Chicago police during a raid of his apartment that was done along with the FBI “The whole story, Fred Hampton and his time, how he affected so many people,” said Sutton. “It’s getting the kids to agree and disagree on life situations like this. They are not just going through these things for the first time, the life situations they are in. They are things that happened historically before them. A lot of this stuff is out of our reach, the government issues, community issues. But we can do our part. If we don’t take the initiative, how can we ever say we want change or move in the right direction for those things.” The film screening is one of the many projects the Social Justice Committee has undertaken, and Sutton embraces his involvement with it because he knows inspiring change is the only way to make progress. “I think this is really great,” said Sutton. “I took pride in things like this growing up. My parents made us aware of our situation, things going on around us and moving the right way in life. Now being in this role, being able to express things, hear from the community and their hurt. It’s about where we can all come together as a whole, continue to keep moving in the right direction, whether it’s at home, on the street or in schools. There are so many resources we have in the community that can continue to keep us pushing forward. It’s bringing the sense of togetherness that we need.”Shedding light on childhood hunger: Running back Najee Harris spent part of his Tuesday morning at Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy of International Studies stressing the importance of nutrition as a part of Hunger Action Month. Harris is helping to battle childhood hunger and was on hand to unveil new Grab and Go equipment for Pittsburgh Public Schools, which includes a school meal cart that is funded from a donation from American Dairy Association North East’s National Football League Hometown Grants Fund. “The school meal program is really important,” said Harris. “Not everyone has the resources for food, and sometimes getting the meals at school is the only source of food they have. I think it’s important for the kids and the schools to invest in giving the kids the best nutrition possible.” Harris spoke to the kids, keeping it real and relating to them as his family once faced struggles of their own when he was growing up. “I can relate to what they are going through,” said Harris. “I understand how important it is to have nutrition. I have been in that situation, that is why I do stuff like to help provide for them and let them know what they are going through doesn’t go unnoticed.” In addition, GENYOUth is providing 26 NFL FLAG-In-Schools kits to Harris’s Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation. The foundation is focused on assisting underserved families, helping them to reach their potential by providing tools and assistance in areas including education, homelessness, hunger and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills. A $10,000 donation was also made to Pittsburgh Public Schools from Fuel Up to Play 60Golf for a cause: The inaugural Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research golf outing was held at the Club at Nevillewood, co-hosted by Jerome Bettis and Merril Hoge, both members of the Board of Directors. The Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research was founded in 2016, honoring the Steelers late Hall of Fame coach and his passion to not just find better treatment for sports related brain injuries, but to also try to prevent them. The foundation awards grants to advance research that is related to the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries. The priorities for funding focus on research that addresses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the brain, with a primary focus on those stemming from sports related injuries.Friday, September 16Making a wish come true: Friday was a dream come true for Collin Spall, who spent part of his day at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex watching the Steelers practice, and then meeting some of his favorite players. “I have been a Steelers fan since about fourth grade,” said Spall. “That was my earliest memory. I remember watching Troy Polamalu and that converted me into being a Steelers fan." Spall, who has battled cancer, was a guest of the team through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He had to put the visit on hold for a few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic but was thrilled to finally get here. “I always like watching them on Sunday, whether they win or lose,” said Spall. While every moment was special, a definite highlight was meeting some of his favorite players, including T.J. Watt, Derek Watt, Najee Harris and Minkah Fitzpatrick. “They are the best team in the NFL,” said Spall. “It’s really cool. You see them on television and you know they are real, but you just don’t make that connection always.” Spall will also see the Steelers play the Patriots on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.Thursday, September 15The wheels on the bus: Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis had no idea when he was given the nickname, ‘The Bus,’ that one day the nickname would be more than just a fun way for fans to identify with him. Bettis has used the nickname to help students across the Pittsburgh area with his newly launched WOW (WIFI on Wheels) CyberBus, a mobile classroom equipped with computers and internet access that will allow for remote learning in STEM education, computer science, financial literacy, and business development for students and parents. The WOW CyberBus, done through the Jerome Bettis Foundation, made its debut at the Back-to-School event in Northview Heights on Thursday and will hit the streets throughout Pittsburgh in areas where the service is needed. “It’s important because what we found is access is the key,” said Bettis. “If the kids have access, opportunities become greater exponentially. We want to provide access, and if we can’t get to everyone’s home, we’ll bring it to that community. That’s been the next phase of what we are doing. We have provided computers and access, now we want to bring the access to you in hopes that we can reach more kids and have more of an impact, a physical footprint in their community they can utilize. We feel that gives another opportunity to some kids that wouldn’t have it.” When the pandemic forced remote learning throughout the country, the digital divide became more evident and Bettis has been doing his part all along. This next step was to partner with The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) and STEM Coding Lab to provide another avenue to help kids and families. “To see what is available for the majority of kids, it’s a crying shame if we can’t provide at least this much access for everyone,” said Bettis. “I see the amount of access kids have in some schools just with my own kids. I look at it and say we can do a better job of providing better access for all kids. One piece of that is to bring it to them.” Bettis might not still live in Pittsburgh, but his heart will forever be in the city and his goal is to always make an impact in the place that welcomed him and will forever be his home away from home. “Pittsburgh gave me so much,” said Bettis. “That is why it’s so important for me to give back to Pittsburgh. I needed to return that love and support to Pittsburgh because it’s been incredible to me. “I never thought I was going to be able to have that type of impact. You play football and think that is what you have been put here to do and that gives you that fulfillment. You realize you have a bigger opportunity to create an impact, and that’s what it really is all about. I would never have thought the nickname ‘The Bus’ would be the tool we would use to reach the kids. The nickname was always funny, but to use it in a practical sense means a lot to me. You want to make a difference.” About the WOW CyberBus: The CyberBus will operate weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and will travel to a different neighborhood each day. Morning hours (10 a.m. – noon) will be reserved for parents who want to learn or hone their computer skills, work on their GEDs or learn how to start their own business. Staff and volunteers will be there to assist them in meeting their needs. The WOW CyberBus anticipates serving 5-8 parents each day or approximately 25-40 per week. Afternoons will be reserved for students. Each day, two afternoon computer programming classes will be taught; each class will serve 10-15 students daily or approximately 100-150 per week. During summer months, the hours can be altered to provide more access to students. We will be working with schools and programs on the Northside, in Homewood, Troy Hill, McKees Rocks, and other communities in the Pittsburgh area. The WOW CyberBus has been made possible by generous grants from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Heinz Endowments, CNX Foundation and additional support provided through the Mayor’s office and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.Wednesday, September 14Heroes night out: On Sunday the Steelers will host the New England Patriots for their home opener at Acrisure Stadium, but before the two teams take the field, there were some heroes playing football of their own there on Wednesday night. For the 14th straight year, the Steelers hosted Heroes Night Out at Acrisure Stadium, honoring the men and women of the military and providing them a fun night of football, food and camaraderie among themselves. The team worked with five local organizations, Veterans Place, Veterans Breakfast Club, RISE Veterans, Operation Troop Appreciation and the VA Hospital, to bring the group to Acrisure Stadium for football drills run by Steelers players.“It’s amazing,” said Sherry Einhaus, COO of Operation Troop Appreciation. “Some of these guys don’t get the opportunity to come out much. When you can give them the opportunity to come, get out on the field with other veterans, they’re more than willing to come out to be with their brothers and sisters. “It's amazing that the Steelers do this. They are hometown. We are all Pittsburgh. It’s great to have them here, willing to be a part of this here at the field.” Before they became immersed in football, a somber moment of silence was held to honor all of the lives lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001, with the 21st anniversary of that horrific time taking place just days before. After honoring those lost, the veterans had the opportunity to put their troubles behind them and relax and enjoy some fun on the field. There were three different football stations, including passing, receiving and field goal kicking, a chance for the military members to test their skill level with those who do it for a living.“It’s because of the vets who make this county go, defend this country, stand up for this country,” said Steelers legend Craig Wolfley, who emceed the event. “I never understood their sacrifice, nor the things that happened to their families stateside when they are deployed, until my own son, Major Kyle Jacob Wolfley in the Army was deployed. Suddenly I understood in a very real way when you have a child in combat theater. As I look at the sacrifices, I have a real kinship in my heart for them. “It's special because they are recognizing the sacrifices these men and women have made. It’s a tremendous gesture on their part to bring them together. A lot of them come back from the battlefield with issues and scars. It’s something that happens. We want to help them live the best life they can, and this is one of those steps forward in the whole thing.” Among the players taking part were Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Miles Killebrew, Christian Kuntz, John Leglue, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Chukwuma Okorafor, Robert Spillane and Derek Watt. “We appreciate everything they do for us and our country,” said Watt. “Just coming here to interact with them and do what we love, play football with them a little bit, and show our appreciation is special. I am excited to get to know some of them a little better, their background and some of their stories.” There were smiles as they attempted to hit a field goal, and laughter when they realized how tough it was. It was a perfect escape, a night to bond with each other and let their cares evaporate for a while. “I am honored and excited to be out here. It feels good,” said Malvina Jackson, who is from Pittsburgh and serves in the United States Air Force. “I am looking forward to the different activities. It's a wonderful thing. It’s a great experience. For them to give back to the veterans, and be out here, is an honor in itself. “Steelers football is everything. I live and breathe Steelers football.” In addition to the drills, the veterans posed for pictures with the players as they told them stories of watching football while on deployment. And the one word many veterans used when referring to the players was hero. It was just the opposite for the players. “We are not heroes. We are just playing a game,” said Watt. “It’s a totally different world. You can’t even compare ourselves to them.” He wasn’t the only one who felt that way. “I wanted to come out and do this, be out here and show them my support because they support us,” said Freiermuth. “I have a couple of family members that are active in the service, it’s huge they put their lives on the line to protect our country. They are the real heroes.”Tuesday, September 13Stepping up big time: Levi Wallace knows the importance of clean air. Growing up with asthma, he understands when playing sports, the air you breathe is vital. And that is why he teamed with Austin Air Purifiers to donate seven air purifiers to the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania through the Levi Wallace Foundation. “I just wanted to be able to give these out and help them any way I could,” said Wallace. “We did that for my high school (Tucson High School) back in Arizona, donated air purifiers there. I grew up with asthma and couldn’t really breathe. It didn’t benefit me to play sports when I was younger. I just wanted to be able to give back to the community here, give the kids a chance to be able to breathe in healthy air. “If we can minimize any risks, stop the flow of any kind of viruses, allergies and breathe better air, it’s so beneficial for kids.” Wallace visited the B&G Club location in Carnegie where he provided the donation, as well as handed out Terrible Towels, signed pictures and spent time enjoying a pizza party with the kids. “I want to be a part of Pittsburgh. I just want to give back to the community,” said Wallace. “It’s my passion. I love being around kids. My parents owned a daycare when I was growing up. I grew up in a daycare. I have a heart for kids, giving back to the community anyway that I can. I want to be a part of that. Now that I am in Pittsburgh, it’s important for me to get involved. “My mom still has the daycare. I try to go as much as I can. Kids have been important to them and that is why they are important to me.” It’s that passion that drove Wallace to start his foundation, one that is focused on helping youth in underserved communities through the use of sports and academics. And he does it through providing scholarships for deserving youth, giving them an opportunity to further their education as he started off as a walk-on at Alabama. “I want to be able to give back to kids, give out scholarships to college,” said Wallace. “I was a walk-on. A lot of people will say I want to be a walk-on too. I am like, no you want to get a scholarship and be able to go to school for free and not put that burden on your parents. Any way I can help with that is what I do.” Wallace, who is six classes away from a second degree, always stresses the importance of education to kids, something he did during his visit on Tuesday. “The best day is when I graduated from college,” said Wallace. “When I give out scholarships, it’s not just athletics, it’s academics as well for kids who want to further themselves through education. That is so important to me.”Back to school: For the second straight year Chris Wormley did something he loves to do at the start of the school year. He brought joy and happiness to kids. Wormley visited Mifflin Elementary School where he handed out gift bags filled with school supplies, books and basic necessities to help kids as they kick off the year. And they were thrilled to have the Steelers defensive lineman in their presence, and he was just as excited to be there. “This is my second time going back to Mifflin Elementary and I am super excited about it,” said Wormley, who worked in conjunction with the Education Partnership Adopt-A-School program. “I get to hand out school supplies to K-8 school students and every kid gets a bag, which is exciting. “Just for them to know that there are people in their corner. People that are willing to give back and spend time with them. I love to talk to the kids and spend time with them.” Wormley spent time visiting with the kids, taking pictures and giving them encouragement as they tackle another school year. “If I can get them started off with notebooks, pencils, coloring stuff for the little kids, it means a lot to me,” said Wormley. “It also lets them know there are people looking out for them and so they don’t feel left out. There are times where kids don’t have the necessary needs and funds to get school supplies, and if you don’t have school supplies how can you learn. That’s a big part of learning, having the supplies and resources to further your education. It all starts with the supplies.”Tuesday, September 6Rookies hand out BatchPacks: Steelers rookies were out in the community on Tuesday, working with the Best of the Batch Foundationto distribute backpacks and other back to school goodies to kids at Duquesne Elementary School as part of their BatchPacks for Kids program, as well as learning more about the projects the organization spearheads. Charlie and LaTasha Batch started the foundation while Batch was still playing for the Steelers, and it has blossomed into an organization that goes above and beyond to provide educational programs for kids in Western Pennsylvania, as well as serve families in the region. Having the Steelers rookie class visit and assist with the distribution of the backpacks wasn’t just an opportunity for the kids to benefit, but for the players as well. “I think it’s a combination of a couple of different things,” said Batch. “Number one, people talk about the Rooney family and how giving they are in the community. So, for the rookies to hear that and actually be able to go out and experience that themselves, getting an opportunity to learn from all of the community partners the Steelers support, it’s extremely beneficial. They have an opportunity to not only see what we have been able to do and how we have benefitted from the Steelers organization, but ultimately continue to do what we are doing in the community. It’s a win-win situation for everybody. This can help the rookies figure out what they want to do at some point in the community, and it allows us the opportunity to show them what we do in the community. “We are showing them what we do with our back-to-school program and what it’s like to interact with the kids and see their faces when you are delivering the school supplies. It gets everyone excited.” The foundation distributes approximately 2,500 backpacks a year, filled with school supplies the students will need for the year. They also provide teacher bags, which have supplies so the teachers don’t have to purchase their own classroom needs. It’s all part of the overall effort for Batch to provide for those who need it the most. And after two years of not being able to have full in-person visits and events, Batch was thrilled to have the rookies join them for the fun afternoon. “They haven’t been able to interact in the manner they typically do, but now they are getting the opportunity to get out there and see the relationships that have been built over the years,” said Batch. “It makes for a fun time.”Friday, August 26Showing some love: Safety Terrell Edmunds held a back-to-school event at Community Empowerment Association (CEA) Pittsburgh, spending time with the students, handing out backpacks, swag bags, new shoes and more. “We’re very blessed to be doing what we do every day,” said Edmunds. “We have the platform where people look up to us. Just to show our face and be hands on in the community, that is something big for us.” Edmunds was joined at the event by his brother, Trey Edmunds, and cornerback Levi Wallace, all spending time with the kids and sharing invaluable moments. “I think that is the biggest thing,” said Edmunds. “Anybody can give money, but you never get to see those people. For kids who look up to us, for us to be right there, them be able to shake our hand, take pictures, hang out with us. That means more to me and sometimes to the kids.” This is the latest in Edmunds giving back efforts, something he tries to continue today to follow the example set by his parents. “I have been blessed to be around some great people,” said Edmunds. “It goes back to my parents and how much they gave back to people in my hometown. I saw how much people respected them, and how much I respect my parents. It’s something I want to do and will continue to do.”Monday, August 22Back to school in style: It's that time of year again, when summer vacation comes to an end and back to school supplies occupy the shelves of stores across the country. For some families, though, paying for those supplies can be a challenge. That is why the Steelers joined forces with other organizations to help with the 10th Annual Pittsburgh Public Schools Back to School Event at Acrisure Stadium. To give the kids a fresh start for school, the Steelers provided haircuts and manicures, giving everyone a self-esteem boost. The team also provided books for the kids, and The Heyward House provided hygiene kits. The team also helped connect the students with much needed resources that will benefit them throughout their educational endeavors. “It's important to emphasize that the Pittsburgh Steelers have come out in ways that we would have never imagined,” said Merecedes Williams, Media Manager for Pittsburgh Public Schools. “When you open up your facility, Acrisure Stadium and the FedEx Great Hall, it’s more than just executing, it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers saying we appreciate Pittsburgh Public Schools and their families. What we are hearing from the students is seeing the space and what it means. They have never been to a professional game. When they see it, it ignites them for their own success. I saw kids walking around with their nose up to the displays seeing all of the great things. They learned about people who are where they are and going on to do great things. “It's little kids, young learners, young minds, who are able to prepare for the first day of school. The Steelers prepared a healthy environment and space for literacy and achievement and showed that the community loves them. The Steelers made a commitment and investment to our families that will last a long time.” Over 4,600 stuffed backpacks were also distributed, something that goes a long way during some challenging economic times. “We are looking at it everywhere we go,” said Williams. “When we go to the gas pump, when we go to the grocery store. We are seeing it now more than ever. It’s important for our families to be ready for school. If we can take some of that stuff off of their lap, or remove the burdens, that is what we want to do. That was the goal for today.” The giving back continued later in the day, when linebacker Alex Highsmith went to Clairton Elementary School to hand out backpacks and school supplies provided through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation. “It's awesome just to be able to give back,” said Highsmith. “I have been blessed with what I have for a reason, it’s to give blessings to others. To be able to give back to the community in this way, to give back to kids in this way, kids who needs this, it’s a special opportunity.” This is the second year Highsmith has done the back-to-school giveaway and seeing the kids reaction makes it truly special. “It’s cool because I know when I was in their shoes I reacted the same way,” said Highsmith. “Just being able to be a blessing to them, that is my main goal off the field. To use my talents and ability to help others. “I know it can be stressful for the parents. To be able to provide for some of the kids who don’t have the things they need, that is what we are called to do.”