The Oakland Raiders helped distribute food to families in Oakland with the Alameda County Community Food Bank Mobile Pantry Tuesday afternoon. FB Jamize Olawale, T Matt McCants, CB Taiwan Jones and S Brandian Ross handed out produce, milk, eggs and other ingredients for local families to cook Thanksgiving meals.
The Raiders helped distribute food to families in Oakland with the Alameda County Community Food Bank Mobile Pantry.
The four Raiders posed for pictures, signed autographs, handed out food and shared laughs with the adults and children at the Fruitvale Bart Station location. "I feel like it's an honor to be able to represent the Raider organization and do such a great event, giving back," said McCants. "It feels like an honor."
Ross and his teammates are active in the community throughout the year, but this time of the season is especially important. "It's always important to just give back and it's a time of year where those who are less fortunate really need the most help," said Ross.
The players enjoyed their time in the community. "I love giving back. I love seeing kids smile. I love seeing families smile, especially when they're in need," said McCants. "It's a great experience and it's a great time."
Olawale appreciated the opportunity to help the local families during the Thanksgiving week. "It's been very rewarding," said the fullback. "You have a lot of families that this is their last resort and you can see the desperation on their faces, so it's nice to be able to help out."
It was particularly meaningful that they were able to give back in their own city. "Just interacting with these fans and seeing the support they give us and the smiles on their faces, it just does so much to you," said McCants. "Like I said, it's an honor to give back to such a great fan base."
