Rays Thanksmas returns for ninth year

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-The Tampa Bay Rays will host Thanksmas for the ninth consecutive year, December 15-19, at the Salvation Army Shelters in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Bradenton, the Sallie House in St. Petersburg, the Homeless Emergency Project in Clearwater and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in Orlando.

Over the past eight years, Thankmas has served approximately 7,000 individuals in need and provided many with clothing and shoes. The Rays will provide and serve either lunch or dinner to each of the shelters. In 2013, as a result of donations from generous Rays fans and fundraising efforts, Thanksmas also presented more than $20,000 to the Salvation Army centers in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Bradenton, the Sallie House and the Homeless Emergency Project.

Thanksmas kicks off on Monday, December 15 with a return to the Sallie House, a safe haven for children who have been removed from their home because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. This will be the sixth consecutive year that Rays will visit the Sallie House as a part of Thanksmas. The Rays will also visit the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, the largest provider of homeless services in Orlando and Central Florida, for the first time.

Throughout this year's Thanksmas, current and former Rays players, Rays coaches, broadcasters and front office staff will serve meals to those in need.

For more information, visit raysbaseball.com/thanksmas.

2014 THANKSMAS SCHEDULE
Mon, December 15
5:30 p.m. - The Sallie House, St. Petersburg

Tue December 16
Noon - St. Petersburg Salvation Army
4:30 p.m. - Tampa Salvation Army

Wed, December 17
5:30 p.m. - Homeless Emergency Project

Thu, December 18
6:30 p.m. - Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

Fri, December 19
12:30 p.m. - Bradenton Salvation Army