[StBernard] Football Player Brings Supplies to Chalmette

[Westley Annis]

Football Player Brings Supplies to Chalmette 

January 24 , 2006

By: Steve Cannizaro


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Pro football player Marshall Faulk of New Orleans teamed up with the Feed
the Children organization and NFL Players Association to distribute food and
supplies to needy people in Chalmette

Pro football running back Marshall Faulk of the St. Louis Rams and a native
of New Orleans came to Chalmette on Tuesday, Jan. 24, representing his
Marshall Faulk Foundation, in partnership with the Feed the Children
organization and the NFL Players Association, and distributed food and
supplies to the needy. What was left went to the general public. Photos:
Steve Cannizaro. 

Probably few of the 500 or more families who received free food and supplies
at a distribution spot in front of the Civic Center in Chalmette on Tuesday
had any idea that a former Most Valuable Player in pro football was passing
out the items to them.

But for more than two hours New Orleans native and football running back
Marshall Faulk of the St. Louis Rams worked almost non-stop, loading
vehicles with milk and juice, food, hygiene products, children's dolls and
games and a Bible.

Faulk, representing his Marshall Faulk Foundation, teamed up with the Feed
the Children organization of Oklahoma City and the NFL Players Association
to pass out two truckloads of items, with nearly all going to pre-selected
needy families and the remainder to the general public.

Several former pro football players were part of the operation, including
Warren Bankston of Tulane University, Ron Krajewski, Bernard Robinson and
Rene Nedeau. Military personnel also helped with the operation.

"Why have an event and just direct it when you can load cars and help put a
smile on some people's faces,'' Faulk said when asked about his personal
involvement.

"It's simple,'' he said of his motivation. "I'm from here in New Orleans.'' 
He said his money and resources couldn't do much without the others who also
participated. "I think we were able to get a lot accomplished today.''

Paul Bigham of Feed the Children said the group has been part of the
Hurricane Katrina relief effort since immediately after the storm.

The group, founded some 20 years ago by Larry Jones, its president, is
active in 118 countries where they provide help, Bigham said. "It's our
calling, our ministry.''

He also said Faulk's efforts were appreciated. "He has not stopped. He
passed out the first box I think.''

Willis Whalen, manager of membership services for the NFL Players
Association, said Faulk "wanted to come back'' to help his native New
Orleans area.