Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, donated 750 turkeys and helped distribute them to Neighborhood House participants with the help of Greater Twin Cities United Way.
“Food insecurity is rising rapidly,” explained Nancy Brady, Neighborhood House’s president. “There are a lot of people who simply can’t afford food for holiday celebrations so receiving a turkey is one less worry in their piles of worries.”
What families expected to be a simple turkey pick-up took a sudden turn when surprise guest, Stefon Diggs, walked into the room. Cheers erupted, cameras flashed, and children came running.
He got to work behind tables piled with turkeys and began handing them out, stopping to talk with families, take pictures, and sign miniature foam Vikings footballs.
When kids playing basketball in the gym heard what was happening, they raced to the rotunda. Eyes wide, they stared up at the six-foot-tall player in awe. “Stefon Diggs,” they gasped. “It’s Stefon Diggs!” The wide receiver then invited them to hand out turkeys with him where they helped for the rest of the night.
“Thanksgiving was a huge holiday in my household,” says Diggs. “It’s a good time of year to have a lot of love around and I’m happy to be able to give back.”