Before he settles into the most unusual training camp of a career that is entering its 17th season, Ben Roethlisberger has some unfinished business in the community.
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is spending Tuesday volunteering to help distribute 8,000 boxes and bags of food in New Castle.
Roethlisberger is being assisted by Steelers tight end Vance McDonald. They also participated in a food drive last month at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger and McDonald are working with the Farmers to Families program and Convoy of Hope.
“It’s about love and about helping others.”
At today’s food distribution through the Farmers to Families Program & @ConvoyofHope in New Castle, @_BigBen7 explains why it’s important to him and his family to find ways to help those in need. pic.twitter.com/2R5ClD8N7Q
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
New Castle was chosen because it is where his wife, Ashley, was raised. Monetary donations will benefit the families of Shenango High School impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We want to help the community,” Roethlisberger said in a video posted by the Steelers community relations department. “This is my wife’s community where she grew up. We did one a few weeks ago at Heinz Field. To be up here to help the community, it is a way we can show our kids and the next generation that it’s about love and about helping others. It shouldn’t be about us. The more we can do, the happier we are.”
Roethlisberger wore a black-and-gold T-shirt that said “Trucks of Hope” on the front and “Volunteer” on the back. Because social distancing restrictions prohibited Roethlisberger from interacting with those receiving supplies, he walked through a line of cars and waived at the recipients.
Roethlisberger will trade that look for his traditional Steelers gear next week when training camp begins at Heinz Field. Camp is scheduled to open July 28. It is the first time since the 1960s that the camp won’t be held at Saint Vincent College in Unity Township.
Roethlisberger is returning from right elbow surgery that limited him to two games in the 2019 season.
Today, @_BigBen7 & Ashley Roethlisberger are sponsoring a food distribution in New Castle! The goal is to distribute over 8,000 boxes & bags of food and supplies through the Farmers to Families Program & Convoy of Hope!
To get involved, visit https://t.co/qBCJ85pmZw pic.twitter.com/Idw2k1ZEja
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
Everything in here will be bagged and distributed to those who need it most! pic.twitter.com/bjymVegYCK
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
.@_BigBen7 just sayin’ hi to everyone in line ? pic.twitter.com/BfhpNcZG3B
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
Keep on packing! pic.twitter.com/3y14svY3MR
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
.@VMcDonald89 explains why giving back means so much to him and his family. pic.twitter.com/qYhdr5j3Wd
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
Almost distribution time!@VMcDonald89 pic.twitter.com/m7DJgIuk9U
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
All of the food and supplies are now being distributed to those in need! pic.twitter.com/k6jBibOsto
— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) July 22, 2020
Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.
