One and a half million meals packed across the country. 300,000 meals packed in Los Angeles.
That was the goal that Chargers players helped complete during the Los Angeles Meal Pack for 9/11 Day. Team members, including Melvin Gordon, Sean Culkin, Detrez Newsome, Isaac Rochell, Cardale Jones and former Charger LaDanian Tomlinson, donned hair nets and gloves before finding their table to get started packing meals. Players helped scoop and seal packets of oatmeal in an assembly-line style, which were then boxed up to be sent to families in need.
"(It's) pretty cool working as a team off the field as well," said Sean Culkin. "We're trying to contribute and help as much as we can. Today is a memorial day that means so much to this county and us as Americans. This is definitely something I'll never forget."
The event was a small part of a larger event across the country known as 9/11 Day. In an effort to turn a day of tragedy into a day of doing something good for the community, over 6,500 volunteers in New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles came together to combat hunger. The Los Angeles 9/11 Day was held in partnership with LA Works.
"People all across the country are giving back, making a difference and trying to just be unified in service today," said Debbie Brutchey, executive director of LA Works. "It's a really special, important time to be here. I look at all the people that are here wanting to make a difference and giving up an hour or two hours of their time to just make one small difference, and how well everyone works together."
The Chargers joined Los Angeles Dodgers alumni and staff, as well as over 1,000 others who volunteered their time. At the end of their shift, the Bolts signed a 9/11 remembrance wall with why they pay tribute to the day.
"It means a lot just giving back in general to the community," said Melvin Gordon. "This is special knowing that you're giving back to people who need it, who are less fortunate. It's an honor to be here. A blessing."
Browse through photos from the first annual Meal Pack for 9/11 Day, as the Bolts helped pack 300,000 nonperishable meals for those in need.
