Undoubtedly, this time of year is one of reflection. As family and friends gather around the table we pause and think of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. The Kansas City Chiefs are no different this Thanksgiving. In fact, the team has toiled this entire month to make sure that our neighbors throughout the metro have proper nourishment this November. Regardless of the outreach initiative, the Chiefs main objective has been to spread cheer to those in need.

The month kicked off with Chairman Clark Hunt flanked by a dozen Chiefs players and General Manager Scott Pioli at the sixth annual Lift Up America food distribution. On a sunny day in the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot, 60 metro area relief organizations received some much-needed food. In all, 30,000 pounds of protein product were loaded onto various trucks and then sent for delivery to various approved agencies.

“In the last three years alone, the Chiefs have donated 127,000 pounds of protein product through this Lift Up America initiative,” beamed Harvesters CEO Karen Haren. “That donation provides almost 100,000 meals for our community. Moreover, it is vital to ensuring that Harvesters has food to distribute to families over the holidays. The impact this event has is immeasurable.”

The momentum kept rolling as the team renewed an annual tradition at the Ronald McDonald House. There, the members of the team and their significant others served a pot luck dinner for the House’s residents. In addition to some yummy treats, the players on hand signed autographs and took pictures with the guests. Over a decade since the first dinner was held, this event has become a favorite not only for Ronald McDonald House residents but the Chiefs themselves.

“This is something that we enjoy getting to host each year,” Chiefs C Rudy Niswanger said. “Just to be here and put a smile on these families’ faces for a moment means a lot. So many of them are dealing with a lot of uncertainties in their lives. For us to come here, hand out a meal and sign some autographs, it’s just an easy way to help take their minds off of things.”

Not to be outdone, the Chiefs Women’s Organization (CWO) stopped by Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc. to help prepare and serve a meal. With a hearty smile and some helping hands, these ladies served up a heaping helping of nourishment with a side of cheer.

“From the bottom of our heart we are extremely grateful,” noted Theresa Swartwood, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc. “The Chiefs come down here each and every time with their hearts on their sleeves. The faces on our lunch guests says it all. They all got a special sparkle in their eye when they realized that the CWO was here today. And earlier this spring, the Rookie Club was here for a similar food service. It means the world to our guests to know that the Chiefs value them enough to take the time out and be here with them.”

That lunch event at Cross-Lines was a precursor to a special pregame recognition earlier this month prior to the team’s tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. During a special pregame ceremony, the organization recognized five outstanding volunteers from Cross-Lines that make a difference in the lives of others daily. In all, the Chiefs hosted a group of 100 individuals made up of Cross-Lines volunteers and their guests. This special Red and Gold game experience was a way for the team to thank these individuals for their dedication to uplifting others.

Chiefs WR Devard Darling continued a precedent he started last year when his As One Foundation visited Operation Breakthrough earlier this month. Surrounded by his family, Darling donated Thanksgiving Baskets to 200 of the Center’s families. Were it not for the generosity of this native Bahamian, these individuals would likely not be able to afford a proper feast this holiday.

“We really had a great response from the families last year so we knew we wanted to do these Thanksgiving baskets again this year,” noted Darling. “It’s great to be here and see the looks on their faces as they collect the baskets. You know right away how much this means to them all.”

Still, the highlight of the organization’s hunger relief outreach this month came earlier in the week. Thanks to the benevolence of the Chiefs, including its players, coaches and staff along with the Hunt Family, over $25,000 was raised for the annual Chiefs Thanksgiving Food Distribution. These baskets were also made possible thanks to assistance by the club’s official grocery partner, Hy-Vee. Together, they ensured that 1,000 metro-area families received a holiday feast that’s been a Kansas City tradition since 1992. Over a dozen players joined other volunteers from the Chiefs as well as those from the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation to assemble the baskets. Then, preapproved agencies and food banks came to the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot to collect the food so it could be distributed in time for the holiday. Some families even received a special treat as select Chiefs personally delivered baskets to recipients’ homes.

”This is something that always meant a lot to Derrick Thomas and I when we played here,” noted former Chiefs DE Neil Smith. “I’ve got to be honest, still being involved in the distribution just warms my heart. Knowing that all these years later, the Chiefs are still as committed to this program as they were in our day, it says a lot. I know D.T. would be just as happy to know that the Chiefs have rallied like this to help our neighbors in need.”

Even though the fall is nearly complete, it doesn’t mean that the team is done helping to feed those in need. Prior to the start of the season, the organization again joined forces with the Kansas City Royals to feed 3,000 families through the annual Operation Blessing food distribution. While that event cost $100,000 to fund in 2009, it was the commitment of both organizations that ensured this vital outreach initiative was again held. In fact, Operation Blessing has been a collective effort between these sport franchises for eight seasons now.

The football calendar will close with a new Red and Gold backed program this winter. The Souper Bowl of Caring began two decades ago as a grassroots effort by churches and schools to collect canned items for those in need. Since that time, an extraordinary $50 million has been raised for soup kitchens, food banks and other charities in communities across the country. This season, the Chiefs will join an already growing list of NFL teams that have teamed with this vital entity. It will take a team effort with help from our neighbors in the community to make it successful, but together we’re certain that this program too will help sack hunger.

While Thanksgiving is a holiday built on tender morsels, the unfortunate truth is that countless individuals throughout the metro will go without a meal today. However, thanks to these hunger relief initiatives, the Chiefs are doing all they can to keep that appetite shortfall to a minimum.

And so, the Kansas City Chiefs wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

-CHIEFS COMMUNITY CARING, JOIN OUR TEAM-