The Atlanta Falcons are always looking for ways to give back to the community, especially during the holiday season. In the coming days, AtlantaFalcons.com will feature several community highlights, including a very special community episode of D-Block. Below are some of the things players have been involved in and will continue to be involved in this week.
- Running back Jason Snelling treated five families to a special night at Dave & Busters at Discover Mills Mall in Duluth, Ga. The families had an opportunity to participate in all the games and ate dinner. Snelling surprised each family with gifts for the holidays.
- The Atlanta Falcons linebackers, led by LB Mike Peterson and the Mike Peterson Foundation, treated children from the Hall County Boys & Girls Club and Wednesday's Child to a shopping spree for the holidays at the Walmart in Oakwood, Ga. The players shopped with the children, giving them an opportunity to not only shop for themselves, but also for family members. Video of D-Block's shopping event will be on AtlantaFalcons.com on Friday.
- The Atlanta Falcons defensive line gave 40 children from the Atlanta Urban Ministries to a shopping spree for the holidays at a local Walmart in Suwanee, Ga. Atlanta Urban Ministries works in Midtown Atlanta to assist homeless and financially challenged women and children to break the cycles of hunger, homelessness, and poverty that entrap them. It provides them with meal assistance, financial aid, empowerment through pre-employment and life skills training, and educational programs for children. This assistance helps families meet their most basic needs as they transition out of homelessness and poverty.
- The Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club, sponsored by United Healthcare of Georgia, gave 25 children from the Metro Atlanta Boys & Girls Club a shopping spree for the holidays at a local Dick's Sporting Goods in Buford, Ga.
- Tight end Tony Gonzalez hosted "Shop with a Jock," a program offering underprivileged and homeless children the opportunity to bond with professional athletes and shop during the holidays. Gonzalez, joined by his Falcons teammates, accompanied children from the Atlanta Mission, which offers six emergency housing shelters in the metro area, for an unforgettable shopping experience. Held this year at the Walmart in Suwanee, Ga., more than 30 children receiveed dinner courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, the Tony Gonzalez Foundation and Walmart partnered to provide each child with a $100 gift card. Finally, each child received a backpack filled with overnight supplies and a Tony Gonzalez Shadow Buddy doll, courtesy of the Shadow Buddies Foundation. Video of Gonzalez's event will be on AtlantaFalcons.com on Christmas Day.
- Wide receiver Harry Douglas hosted his third annual Holiday Treat Festival in his hometown of Jonesboro, Ga. At the event, families and children received free toys, haircuts, health screenings, dinner and participated in several other activities. Douglas was joined by Falcons teammates.
- Fullback Mike Cox and his wife Dana, hosted a holiday party at the Walter Boys & Girls Club in Gainesville, Ga., for 20 families. The party included a holiday dinner, gifts, music and many other fun-filled activities.
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