Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks hands out Thanksgiving meals at car wash
Local families served by The Salvation Army received a holiday blessing Nov. 17 from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks, who bought 100 Thanksgiving meals and handed them out at, of all places, a car wash. (View photos.)
Why a car wash?
“I’m really into cars and I love washing my own car,” chuckled Kendricks, who spent the evening at Soapy Joe’s Car Wash in St. Paul distributing grocery bags filled with turkey, stuffing, corn, and green beans. “It’s a passion of mine.”
Kendricks is also passionate about helping the community. He enjoys serving others because he knows what it’s like to need help.
“Whether it was family, friends, teachers, or coaches, I was given a helping hand to get where I am today,” Kendricks said. “This is emotional for me because it’s serious. It’s real life. I recognize that, so I want to give back whenever I can.”
A local man named James stopped by to pick up a meal. He loved everything about the event.
“This is important – important to the community,” declared James (pictured), who said he plans to fry his turkey on Thanksgiving Day with his uncle. “I appreciate (Kendricks) coming out here. I’ve been a die-hard Vikings fan for 50 years.”
The Salvation Army Northern Division is busy distributing Thanksgiving food baskets at our locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. We are also preparing to serve hot Thanksgiving meals at select locations throughout the coming week.
“We appreciate the Minnesota Vikings and all of our supporters for helping The Salvation Army to provide a happy Thanksgiving for people and families everywhere,” said Lt. Col. Dan Jennings, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division.
This holiday season, The Salvation Army is calling on all of our supporters to Love Beyond. #LoveBeyond is a national Salvation Army campaign that encourages people to put love above all else, in order to show families in need that love exists beyond their most difficult situations – be it hunger, overdue bills, eviction, addiction, and other hardships. Join us by giving a donation, signing up to volunteer, or ringing bells at a Red Kettle.