Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Dalton Risner serves Thanksgiving meals
Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Dalton Risner on Nov. 25 sponsored and hosted a Thanksgiving dinner party at the West 7th Salvation Army in St. Paul, where more than a dozen local families enjoyed hot turkey dinners from Hy-Vee and a gymnasium filled with fun games to play. (View event photos.)
This is the second consecutive year Risner has partnered with The Salvation Army for Thanksgiving.
“Everybody knows the happiness and the thanks that comes from breaking bread together around Thanksgiving – we wanted to help provide that,” said Risner, who will also ring bells at a Red Kettle later this holiday season.
The families in attendance included a widower named Harold. His wife died in 2013, leaving him to raise their five children all by himself. While most of his kids are now grown up and living on their own, he still cares for two of them, both of whom are adults living with autism.
Over the years, Harold has relied on the West 7th Salvation Army for food shelf services whenever money has been tight.
“They do a good job here at The Salvation Army,” said Harold, an avid Vikings fan who was thrilled to meet Risner. “It’s a big help for the kids and me.”
The Salvation Army has a long history of partnering with the Minnesota Vikings during the holiday season and year-round.
“We appreciate the support of Dalton Risner and the Minnesota Vikings for their commitment to our mission of serving people throughout Minnesota,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. "We also are also grateful to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped make this event possible."
This Christmas season, you can Be the Light in somebody’s life by providing food, shelter and care for people in need. Join us today by giving a donation, signing up to volunteer, or ringing bells at a Red Kettle.