Tampa Bay Storm Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway A Success

Monday evening several players from the Tampa Bay Storm took the opportunity to join Storm team president Derrick Brooks as his charity, Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., passed out Thanksgiving dinners to 50 families at the Spring Hill Park Community Center in the Sulpher Springs neighborhood of Tampa, FL.
"Events like this give our players a chance to give back to the community," said Brooks. "We were blessed to be able to provide the families with holiday dinners. Events like this play a large role in our vision for our organization."
The Thanksgiving Holiday Giveaway is a staple amongst the many programs that Derrick Brooks Charities hosts each year. One of the highlights for the Storm players at events like this is the interaction with the families and children.
"It feels great to be able to get out in the community and give back," said defensive lineman Paul Griffin. "I am grateful to have opportunities like this to great fans and provide dinners to people during this time of year."
Youth from community center assisted in helping to put together the care packages full with turkeys, vegetables, potatoes, rolls and pies from Publix who partnered graciously to help kick off the holiday season with some Thanksgiving cheer.
The community center hosts one of several Boys & Girls Clubs in the Tampa Bay community. The kids from the program attended several Storm games in 2012 and this event afforded them to opportunity to personally meet and interact with the Storm players. It was also an opportunity to assist in improving the Thanksgiving situation in a part of the city that is underserved.
"It is great to see athletes take an active role in the community," added Ricky Gallon, community relations director of the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay. "Pleasing, it is definitely pleasing to see [the Storm players] giving back, spending time with the little guys and little gals. It provides the children with a chance to see the players be hero's in the community."
An original franchise of the AFL, the Five-Time Tampa Bay Storm enters its 26th season. A winner of the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year, the Storm strives to provide its fans and opponents with world class service. The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks. Season tickets are available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com . Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.