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McClain, Canty host 53 Families event

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The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner and sadly there will be many people who are struggling with a means to provide food for their families.

For a group of 53 families Thanksgiving will be a much happier occasion this year thanks in part to the Salvation Army Warehouse and former Raven and current New York Giants linebacker Jameel McClain along with Ravens defensive end Chris Canty.

In its fifth-year, McClain’s event dubbed “53 Families” (named after his jersey number) the former Raven, who is partnering with Canty for the first time in the events history presented 53 families with a basket complete with a turkey and all the trimmings on Tuesday evening.

“Me and Chris stand for the same principle in this. It’s making a change one person at a time,” McClain stated when asked about still being highly involved in the Baltimore community.

“Change isn’t dedicated on where I’m located. If I’m in New York now it doesn’t mean I can’t do things in Baltimore.”

“I made a specific commitment to this city when I came here and I’m sticking to my word because I believe in everything we’ve accomplished and I’m honored to have Chris join in with me.”

DSCN1493McClain continues his efforts with the Salvation Army largely in part because the organization helped him and his family when they went through periods of being homeless in his hometown of Philadephia, Pennsylvania. Throughout his tenure in Baltimore, McClain has spoken about the very mission in which the reason for this special annual event. He often wondered when and where his next meal would be.

For defensive end Chris Canty his involvement in the event certainly doesn’t come as a surprise. He has been heavily involved in the community since entering the NFL. His Chris Canty Foundation provides and support youth of all ages to grow academically, physically, and socially so they can realize their true potential.

“First and foremost it’s an honor to be able to work with Jameel and team up to do something positive for this community”, Canty stated when asked about his involvement in 53 families.

“I’m new to the Baltimore community and it’s my second season with the team and already this city, the people in the community have welcomed me with open arms and I’m just glad to be able to give something back to them.”

“It’s a blessing, an honor and a privilege. It’s something we don’t take lightly and something we are thankful for.”

[RELATED: Haloti Ngata Hosts Third Annual Luau]

McClain and Canty were joined by several Ravens teammates including Lardarius Webb, Morgan Cox, Anthony Levine, Courtney Upshaw, Tyrod Taylor and Kapron Lewis-Moore, all of which served dinner to those in attendance while sharing many laughs and smiles.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the hard work and dedication the members of Team McClain provide for each and every event and for including me as one of their own over the last four years.

While the Ravens may not have McClain in the purple and black anymore, he continues to leave his mark in Baltimore each and every day with the help he provides to so many. For Canty, his involvement in improving the lives of so many is second to none.

Together, they share one important goal that goes way beyond the bright lights on Sundays- giving back.

Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR

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