Saints Give Thanks

The New Orleans Saints held their 15th annual turkey give-away Monday at Dryades YMCA in downtown New Orleans. The event, which is completely supported by and paid for by Saints players, provides turkey dinners to a thousand low-income New Orleans families during Thanksgiving.

Families who showed up received a frozen turkey, stuffing, vegetables and corn bread mix, all which were handed out by the players.

Players who volunteered for the give-away include Mike McKenzie, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore, Usama Young, Pierre Thomas, Ronnie Ghent, Jermon Bushrod, Billy Miller, Kevin Houser, Dante Ridgeway, Josh Cooper, Zach Strief and Jon Stinchcomb.

Players lined up behind a long table and kindly handed the turkeys and side dishes to families, greeting them with handshakes and smiles. They also signed autographs and took pictures with many of the thankful recipients.

"This is a time when you are thankful for so many things," said tackle Jon Stinchcomb. "As professional athletes, we've been blessed abundantly. Just to have an opportunity to come and share with some of those that are a little less fortunate is a great opportunity. It's a great event that is heart-warming on both sides and it has a great effect on the community," he added.

Stinchcomb said just the gratitude he and his teammates received from the families who showed up made the event worthwhile.

"Not only do they support us, but they really appreciate the fact that Saints players come here and want to be a part of giving back to their community," he said.