The sixth annual 97Rock Operation: Rock Out Hunger to benefit the Food Bank of Western New York that ended November 23, 2011 was kicked off with a $1,250 donation by Buffalo Bills fullback Corey McIntyre. McIntyre promised to donate $1.00 for each item donated within the hour that he was there on Friday, November 18, and he fulfilled his promise by donating a total of $3,800.
McIntyre shares a special connection to the Food Bank.
"I wanted to help out because when I was little we were less fortunate," said McIntyre. "My family had to go to soup kitchens and rely on food from food banks all the way through elementary school and middle school. I just want to show how much I care for this community and make sure people are full this holiday season."
DJ Jickster of 97 Rock is a huge reason for the record success of the program and he slept in an empty Food Bank moving van for a week until November 23rd - once the truck was full of food for the Holiday season. Jickster accepted non-perishable food and monetary donations all week and among other local celebrities, he was visited by Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, Wall of Famer Booker Edgerson, and current Bills players fullback Corey McIntyre, running back Fred Jackson, running back C.J. Spiller, safety/linebacker Bryan Scott, and wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt.
The Bills players showed their support of McIntyre and Jickster last Friday, November 18th, by appearing and signing autographs for fans.
"Corey's a great guy and I'm so happy to be out here supporting my friend and teammate," said Jackson. "It's a great thing he's doing for the Food Bank. They do a tremendous job for this community, so any little part that I can do I'm going to be there every time."
"I had no idea how many people rely on the Food Bank and the fact that they come through every time is amazing to me," said Scott. "This community is so giving and I can't say enough about how happy I am to be here. The holidays are truly about giving back, and being in the position that myself and my teammates are in, I couldn't think of a better way to help the people of Western New York who are always so supportive to us."
All the monetary donations and non-perishable food items collected will be donated to the Food Bank of WNY. This holiday, more than ever the Food Bank of WNY is in need of food and monies to help fill the homes of WNY with food.
For more information on the Food Bank of WNY, visit **foodbankwny.org/**.
