The Lead
The Broncos got in the holiday spirit this week, as players and staff volunteered in the community ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Alongside community outreach programs including Food Bank of the Rockies and Denver Rescue Mission, the Broncos hosted four community events focused on distributing and preparing Thanksgiving food for families in need.
"Thanksgiving is an important and anticipated time of giving during our season," Broncos Executive Director of Community Development Allie Engelken said. "Our nonprofit partners work tirelessly to make a positive impact in our community, and we are inspired by their dedication to fostering traditions, comfort and kindness around Thanksgiving for all families in Broncos Country."
Over half of the Broncos roster was involved in one or more of the Thanksgiving community events, along with Broncos coaches and staff.
"While our players are committed to impacting our community year-round, we continue to be inspired by how their generosity reaches new heights every holiday season," Broncos Senior Manager of Community Development Liz Jeralds said. "From donating more than 1,100 turkeys to prepping and distributing Thanksgiving meals, more than 40 different players stepped up in the past week to ensure that families in our community are provided with what they need to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their friends and families."
Safety Kareem Jackson, through his Kareem Jackson Foundation, partnered with Food Bank of the Rockies to donate turkeys and other Thanksgiving food items to families in need. Jackson was on site at a mobile pantry location in Denver to help distribute the food.
The Broncos partnered with Denver Rescue Mission on several events this week, including a turkey collection at UCHealth Training Center where more than 35 Broncos players, coaches and staff donated 1,145 turkeys and collected an additional 694 turkeys on site. In total, 1,839 turkeys were donated to families in need.
The Broncos' offensive line volunteered to help prep Thanksgiving meals at Denver Rescue Mission's Lawrence Street Shelter.
The Broncos also partnered with DRM to distribute 3,000 turkeys and Thanksgiving food boxes at Empower Field at Mile High. Broncos players helped to greet individuals and load cars with food.
OLB Bradley Chubb, who volunteered to help distribute Thanksgiving food boxes at Empower Field, enjoyed the opportunity to engage with Broncos Country while giving back to the community.
"This is one of the best experiences we've had, being out here engaging with the community and being able to give back, so it's fun," Chubb said.
RB Javonte Williams, who also volunteered to pass out food boxes at Empower Field, said he enjoyed signing autographs and meeting fans in his first holiday community event as a Bronco.
"It's always good to give back, and when you make somebody else smile it's even better,"Williams said.
