On November 26 nine Jaguars players, led by cornerback Fernando Bryant, and approximately 230 Wachovia, U.S. Navy and Publix Supermarket volunteers distributed two free bags of mixed grocery products to over 2,200 adults and children at A. Philip Randolph Park in east Jacksonville as part of the team's annual Operation Blessing program.
In addition, eight area agencies that serve the disadvantaged throughout the First Coast region were invited to pick up boxes of frozen turkeys donated by Jaguars players and staff. Agencies that participated included the Salvation Army, Jacksonville Housing Authority-Beaches, United Way of St. Johns County, The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Catholic Charities, and Community Connections, among others.
Free glaucoma screenings were offered by the Vision is Priceless Council and blood pressure screenings were offered by the Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance. Diabetes education/exam information, and asthma education materials was also made available. The National Kidney Foundation of Florida was also on site. Volunteers read to children, who also had a chance to meet and have their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Special thanks to all Jaguars partners that made this year's event a success, including Operation Blessing International, Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, PRI Productions, Carey Limousine-Jacksonville, local firefighters and all of the community service providers who donated their time for this cause.
