Philadelphia Eagles' cornerback Darius Slay demonstrated his commitment to helping others by serving food at a gourmet cookout for clients of Cecil and Grace Bean's Soup Kitchen on Friday. This event marked the kickoff of the 9th Annual Valley Forge Freedom from Hunger Food Drive, organized by the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.
Slay recognized that many individuals may feel apprehensive about needing free meals and wanted to alleviate their concerns. "Just being myself, as I've always been," Slay said. "My smiling, goofy self and entertaining, and just have fun."
Terri Stone, the Kitchen Co-Managing Director, emphasized the importance of providing meals to those in need. "We feed people in Norristown," Stone said. "Hungry people." Stone personally understood the challenges of homelessness and hunger, having experienced them as a young mother. "I was the mother of a two-year-old, and I was pregnant, living in my car with my husband," she shared.
Daniel Price, the Sustainability Development Coordinator for the Montco Anti-Hunger Network, highlighted the increasing demand for assistance over the past year. "Over 70% of our network has seen an increase in attendees to their pantries, given inflation and all the other challenges we have going on right now," Price explained.
Stone expressed her excitement about Slay's involvement in serving food, emphasizing the importance of treating individuals with respect and dignity. "I want them to feel here, at our soup kitchen, loved, and accepted," Stone said.
For Slay, this event was an opportunity to give back and inspire others to do the same. "It's amazing because I do givebacks where I'm from as well," Slay explained. "So, it's a good opportunity for people to come in, and to know to share your wealth, share your knowledge, share everything to help somebody else."
The organizers of the Valley Forge Freedom from Hunger Food Drive aim to raise enough money online this fall to purchase 60,000 pounds of food. By supporting this cause and serving food to those in need, Darius Slay continues to make a positive impact both on and off the field.
