The holiday season has seen the Pittsburgh Steelers engaging in various community outreach activities to spread joy and support those in need. The team hosted its annual Huddle for the Holidays event at Acrisure Stadium, a collaboration with Convoy of Hope, designed to give back during this festive time.
Coach Mike Tomlin, alongside cornerback Cameron Sutton, organized a food distribution event with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. “It’s spreading the Christmas cheer,” said DeShon Elliott, who took middle school students on a holiday shopping spree. He emphasized the importance of giving back: “It makes me feel good on the inside to give back to the people that matter the most.”
Pat Freiermuth surprised children from UPMC Children’s Hospital Family Care Connection Centers with a shopping spree. “It’s special because I get to meet these kids from the Pittsburgh area who love the Steelers,” said Freiermuth.
Alex Highsmith distributed winter coats through Urban Impact for children on Pittsburgh’s North Side. “I love doing it every year,” he remarked about his relationship with Urban Impact and their mission.
Christian Kuntz and his wife Heather involved single mothers and children through their Kuntz4Ki6s Foundation, collaborating with Jeremiah’s Place and Toys for Tykes. “Not everyone is as fortunate as we are,” said Kuntz about their inclusive approach to giving back.
Larry Ogunjobi facilitated shopping trips for youth involved with YWCA and Urban League programs in Pittsburgh. He also hosted a dinner at August Wilson African American Cultural Center for resettled families, working with Hello Neighbor. Ogunjobi shared: “My parents instilled such a good example in me of that.”
Darnell Washington supported military families by partnering with Dreambuilders Foundation for holiday shopping sprees through Veterans Leadership Program. Washington reflected on his first solo initiative: “It made me want to do more.”
