PITTSBURGH -- Don Kelly is, if nothing else, a capital “O” Optimist. Usually whenever it rains at PNC Park, it’s a day off or at least some down time in a delay.
On Tuesday, it was time to get to work, rain or no rain. The Pirates’ manager was taking part in a drive-up meal distribution event hosted by the city’s sports teams in the Mazeroski Way cul-de-sac on the North Shore, so some braving of the elements was needed.
Hey, it could have been worse, as Kelly pointed out. At least the temperature was in the upper-40s, so it was rain instead of snow.
“We were just joking about the weather. This is a great November day in Pittsburgh,” Kelly said. “It could be 15 degrees and nasty out. It's great to be able to give back."
Tuesday was the fifth annual BurghProud Thanksgiving meal distribution event held at PNC Park. Joining the Pirates were the Steelers and Penguins, who in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Giant Eagle helped give 300 meals to families in need. Families received a Thanksgiving meal package, which included a turkey, produce, a pie, a Giant Eagle gift card and surprises from the team.
“We all wear the black and gold, right?” Pirates president Travis Williams said. “It’s kind of neat for the sports teams to come together. We compete -- not against each other but as individual sports. To come together and join forces, it’s what Pittsburghers do.”
Preparation for the event started back during the dog days of summer, Pirates Charities manager of community programming Sarah Heffler said. Kelly and Williams were joined by Pirates broadcasters Bob Walk and John Wehner, as well as alum Steve Blass. The Penguins and Steelers, in the midst of their seasons, had players chip in as well. Keeanu Benton and Troy Fautanu of the Steelers and Noel Acciari and Ryan Shea of the Penguins packed cars in the drive-up event and took selfies with drivers.
“It means a lot to come together with our friends with the Penguins and Steelers and give back,” Heffler said. “We all know there’s a lot going on in the world, so to be able to contribute a little bit back in our community means a lot.”
The Pirates began hosting more events with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic and wanted to continue after seeing the need continue, even as the world began to return to normalcy. Five years ago, they opted to host this event with the city’s other two major sports teams, and in that time, 1,500 meals have been distributed to those in need. The Pirates had additional Giant Eagle gift cards on hand Tuesday for those who didn’t arrive in time for a meal.
Williams cited a figure that there are approximately 140,000 people impacted by food insecurity in the region. Days like Tuesday help those in need and make the holidays a little happier.
“We’ve heard a lot from our community problems that everyone needs some kind of help this time of year,” Heffler said. “Generally speaking, there’s a lot of need anyway, and with what’s going on in the world and how people need support, it’s more than ever. We’re thankful that we’re able to use our platform to come together as the three sports teams to help out.”
Pittsburgh is a special sports town for a myriad of reasons, one being that they all wear black and gold. On Tuesday, they reaffirmed they are part of the same team, and a part of the city.
“It’s great to be a small contributor to what our community needs,” Heffler said.