A Touchdown Turkeys record-breaking 2,029 pounds of food was purchased by the Buffalo Bills Women's Association (BWA) at Tops Friendly Markets and then the women donated everything to the Food Bank of Western New York on November 11, 2010.
The seventh annual event produced over one ton of food including 61 turkeys, 13 hams, baby formula, diapers, canned foods, peanut butter and plenty of fixings for many Thanksgiving Day meals. The BWA also came out in record numbers with 25 ladies teaming together to shop for those in the community that are less fortunate.
"This is the best turnout that we've ever had," said Jill Williams, wife of Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams. "We all got together to shop for the less fortunate for things that they really need."
The Touchdown Turkeys event was a total community effort. The food was generously discounted by Tops Friendly Markets and First Student Bus Rental provided a bus to transport the food to the Food Bank. In addition to shopping for and purchasing the food, some of the ladies also traveled to the Food Bank and helped unload and stock the food on the Food Bank shelves.
"We are just continuing our tradition in the holiday season to get the Food Bank stocked up for families that they work with," said Danielle Jackson, BWA chairperson and wife of running back Fred Jackson. "This is a good way to be able to reach out to the community and support the Food Bank in their time of need. They help out over 100,000 people and 37,000 are women and children. As the Women's Association, it's something that we can do to help out."
Baby products have become the most needed items by the Food Bank of WNY.
"I bought mostly baby items because I know that the Food Bank needs those items the most," said Michelle Torbor, wife of linebacker Reggie Torbor. "My two boys are not in diapers anymore, thank goodness, but I can remember going through one big box in about a week - so I really hope our donations will be helpful."
"I don't think people realize with our distribution everyone thinks of meats and canned foods, but the infant formula and the diapers is in such critical demand," said Marylou Borowiak, Food Bank of WNY president and CEO. "The minute it comes on our shelves it's gone so I'm so grateful to all of the ladies who shopped today."
The Food Bank of Western New York was most appreciative of the Bills Women's Association and the efforts and support that was provided.
"We are so fortunate, this is the 7th year with the Buffalo Bills Women's Association and Touchdown Turkeys," said Borowiak. "Coach Gailey's wife Laurie was here, and we can't say thank you enough to the Women's Association. Right now our need is up 20% and we are serving close to 400 member agencies at record numbers. I can't say thank you enough on behalf of the partnership and the continued support of the Buffalo Bills. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
For more information on the Food Bank of WNY, visit foodbankwny.org.
