The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation – with the help of Redskins staff, players and alumni – on Tuesday hosted the 12th annual Redskins Harvest Feast presented by Ryan Homes at FedExField.

The Redskins were joined by more than 500 volunteers in assembling and distributing Thanksgiving food baskets including whole turkeys provided by Harris Teeter to 3,000 Prince George's County residents in need. 

Jane Rodgers, executive director of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, explained that the event was made possible once again thanks to the help of several partners.

"This the 12th annual Harvest Feast. Today we will give back to 3,000 families, and we could not do that without our incredible partners," Rodgers said. "Prince George's Social Services is key to that, as they helped us identify the families, they helped us to invite those families here and receive the goods that you see laid out. We also worked with a few other partners.

"Ryan Homes has been our partner for many, many years. They're a local company that gives back in the community. Additionally, you can't have Thanksgiving without turkeys, so each of these families will go through the line and receive a turkey from Harris Teeter. Bank of America also provided bags, so that when people are walking through the line, they have something to put all of their stuff in."

Since 2003, the Redskins have gifted more than 967,185 pounds of packaged and fresh food and 427,500 pounds of turkey to area families in need.

At this year's Harvest Feast, the Redskins gifted 92,575 pounds of packaged and fresh food and 33,000 pounds of turkey.

Offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao — who is in his first season with the Redskins — said that while it is always important to service the community, giving to those in need during the holiday season is an especially important endeavor.

"Any time we can give back to the community and serve those who support us means a lot," he said between loading turkeys onto a FedEx truck Tuesday. "But on top of that, helping those who are less fortunate in times of need. I think it goes a long way to show appreciation out there to those who don't have as much."

Punter Tress Way joined Lauvao and former running back Ricky Ervins in loading FedEx trucks full of food, and said that he just wants the recipients of the dinners to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

"By being a Redskin, and by us having such a big fan base, it's cool for us to be able to throw our jerseys on and give back," he said. "Everyone deserves a fun and good holiday and time to spend with the family.

"Not only can these people receive something that they want and that they need, but with the Redskins giving it to them, that's pretty awesome that my teammates and I are out here serving."

Running back Alfred Morris, meanwhile, competed with volunteers with how quickly they could package together meals.

Sprinting between stations, Morris wanted to serve as many families as possible.

"This is truly awesome," he said. "I used to be on the receiving end when I was younger, so to be on the other side of the table is amazing, but I'm thankful that we still have people that put on programs like this so that people can have meals during Thanksgiving. ... I've been here before and it's awesome to be able to do this again."

Fullback Darrel Young echoed Morris' sentiment.

"Thank you to the Redskins Charitable Foundation for what they do each and every week," he said. "Growing up as a kid, I wasn't privileged to come back and speak or give back to the community from where I'm from.

"I just want to help people accomplish what they want to do in life. Seeing the guys like Alfred Morris and Niles Paul give out turkeys and stuff, it's just very fortunate to have people smiling."

RELATED LINKS:-- Washington Redskins Chartiable Foundation
-- Redskins Holiday Programs

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