NewsTribe food drive coming Wednesday
Week of Caring kicks off with protein donations, distribution
Manny Acta, Aaron Laffey and Jensen Lewis pitched in with Glenville HS players Monday. (Dan Mendlik/Indians)
By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com
11/16/09 4:44 PM EST
CLEVELAND -- As Thanksgiving draws near and the holiday season kicks off, the Indians are once again feeding needy families with the help of their fans. On Monday, the Tribe teamed up with Progressive Insurance, the Cleveland Foodbank, Lift Up America and Tyson Foods to kick off its "Week of Caring," in which thousands of meals will be generated for less-fortunate families. The week began Monday afternoon on Gateway Plaza, when Tribe president Paul Dolan, newly appointed manager Manny Acta and pitchers Jensen Lewis and Aaron Laffey were on hand to help distribute 35,000 pounds of donated protein to more than 400 Feeding America affiliate food banks in the Greater Cleveland area. The turkeys and other protein products were donated by Tyson Foods. "There is no seventh-inning stretch when it comes to being a good corporate citizen," Tribe vice president of public relations Bob DiBiasio said. "During this time of giving, we feel strongly that we can make a major impact at this time of the year." Fans are encouraged to help make that impact through the Indians' annual Food Drive, which will take place on Gateway Plaza from 5 a.m.-9 a.m. ET on Wednesday and assist the Cleveland Foodbank. Participants are encouraged to drop off peanut butter, tuna fish, canned vegetable, canned soup, beef stew and cereal products. And for every dollar donated, the Foodbank can provide enough food for four nutritious meals. Last year, the Food Drive generated nearly 110,000 meals through food and financial donations that totaled nearly $25,000. Those who help out the cause this year will receive one entry for a drawing to win 2010 Opening Day or Six-Pack game tickets. Participants are encouraged to provide a business card for entry. The Indians will wrap up the Week of Caring on Friday, Nov. 20, when volunteers from the front office and Progressive employees gather at the Foodbank to pack, ship and prepare items to be distributed to various hunger programs.Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
