By: http://flic.kr/p/3ocBi2
By now, it’s quite obvious that the Colts organization if full of men, and some women, who have big hearts for others. It even goes beyond just shaving heads in honor of head coach Chuck Pagano.
Every Tuesday, Colts players participate in Community Tuesday where they go out into the Indianapolis community and give back. Whether it is visiting sick patients at local hospitals, going to breast cancer fundraisers or participating in the opening of an after school center, Colts players are actively engaged in making the city of Indianapolis a better place and being a positive influence on the city’s youth.
Last Tuesday, National Philanthropy Day, Colts players gathered together to give 10 mothers and their families at a women’s shelter a shopping spree to provide food for their families for Thanksgiving. That same day, other players, along with 3,200 other volunteers, gathered at Lucas Oil stadium to participate in the Million Meal March, an organization that feeds needy people in communities around the country.
With Thanksgiving in only a few days, the team hasn’t slowed down. Today, they passed out Thanksgiving meals to over 2,000 local needy families at Lucas Oil Stadium. Though players are required to participate in community service throughout the season, they clearly don’t make a fuss about it – they enjoy spending time with fans and fellow community members. Some players even participate in multiple events on Tuesdays.
Giving back to community expands beyond the required Tuesday activities.
On November 10, a powerful explosion in a subdivision on the south side of Indianapolis occurred, killing a young couple, destroying at least a dozen homes and damaging homes in a three-block radius of the explosion site. The next day, players Pat McAfee and AQ Shipley went to a local grocery store to buy supplies for those displaced by the explosion. They also spent their time sorting supplies and helping those in need. McAfee, known for his bright sense of humor, even offered a few laughs to those coming to grips with what had happened in their neighborhood.
They didn’t have to give their time and supplies to those affected by the explosion. They did it because they wanted to.
You cannot only love the Colts for their athletic ability and love for the game. You can also love them for their hearts and dedication for those around them.
