Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins continued their longstanding tradition of assisting the community and those in need during the 2018 season. Players, cheerleaders, alumni and staff collaborated to feed more than 1,500 families in South Florida throughout November.

"We are proud to be active and engaged community partners of South Florida and we want to give back with what will hopefully make the holiday season a little easier for families and those less fortunate," Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. "Football is synonymous with family and teamwork and by working together we hope to make this Thanksgiving enjoyable for everyone."

Miami Dolphins Thanksgiving distribution events included:

·      In partnership with Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Miami-Dade Comissioners, the Miami Dolphins distributed turkeys and gift cards to more than 500 families throughout Miami-Dade County just in time for Thanksgiving. Together with Dolphins alumni Donald Brown, Troy Drayton and Twan Russell and cheerleaders, the Dolphins delivered 60 turkeys to the students of Hialeah Gardens Elementary with Commissioner Jose Diaz, 60 turkeys to Commissioner Rebeca Sosa's District Office in West Miami and 60 turkeys to the Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco in Miami on Friday, Nov. 16 with Commissioner Eileen Higgins.

·      Miami Dolphins alumni Lorenzo Hampton and Twan Russell, cheerleaders and staff followed up by picking up and delivering 60 turkeys to an event hosted by Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan at the Landmark Community Center in Miami Gardens on Monday Nov. 19. Furthermore, Dolphins alumni Sean Clancy, OJ McDuffie, Bryant Salter and Shawn Wooden and cheerleaders joined Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez later that afternoon to distribute 100 additional turkeys to Curly's House of Style in Liberty City, Miami. In addition, the team joined forces with Miami-Dade Commissioners Sally Heyman, Audrey Edmonson, Jean Monestime, Daniella Levine Cava, and City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez to provide gift cards and turkeys to underserved constituents within their respective communities.

·      As the Dolphins bye week came to an end, Miami Dolphins Running Back Kenyan Drake spent his day off working with the Miami Dolphins and Publix to host a Thanksgiving Dinner for 50 kids of the Broward Boys & Girls Club on Sunday, Nov. 18. The youth had the opportunity to spend an evening with Drake, meet Dolphins cheerleaders, tour Hard Rock Stadium, and enjoy a Thanksgiving Meal provided by Publix and Dolphins staff. Additionally, each child went home with a Publix Meal Kit capable of feeding 4-6 people for their families to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day.

·      Miami Dolphins players Stephone Anthony, John Denney, Matt Haack, Ted Larsen, Quentin Poling, Jason Sanders and Kenny Stills, along with T.D., staff and Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert in collaboration with Hyundai Motor America lined up to distribute 500 Thanksgiving meals from Publix to local families in the South Florida area on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Purchased by players, coaching staff and Hyundai Motor America, the traditional meal kits were capable of feeding a household of 6-8 people and consisted of a turkey, mash potatoes and gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce, and marshmallow delight. The families, pre-selected by Feeding South Florida from 50 nonprofit partner agencies throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade-Counties, also had the opportunity to take photos and get autographs from the players.

"Hyundai is proud to again partner with the Miami Dolphins Thanksgiving outreach program," Hyundai Regional Merchandising Manager Mike Donahoo said. "Giving back in the communities our team members live and work in is a big part of who we are; it's very rewarding and we have looked forward to participating."

·      With the support of the Miami Dolphins, Defensive Tackle Davon Godchaux and Wide Receiver Albert Wilson hosted additional turkey distributions to the South Florida community with Godchaux's event providing 152 turkeys and Wilson's event with 100 turkeys.

·      Dolphins Kids Cook-Off presented by Publix in which Dolphins players, staff, and local police officers provided 19 students with an interactive cooking class and $100 Publix gift card to help with groceries for the upcoming holiday season.