Bucs tackle Kenyatta Walker embraces Mac MacNeel of the Foster Angels Program Wednesday after the announcement of Walker's donation
On Wednesday, December 12, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker made sure the Grinch didn't steal Christmas.
Walker came to the rescue of hundreds of foster children Wednesday by donating $8,000 to the Foster Angels Program. The money will go towards providing gifts to teenage foster children in Hillsborough County.
Prior to November, the Bucs' starting left tackle had not even heard of the Foster Angels Program, but he couldn't put the group's children out of his mind after hearing a disturbing news report. On the evening of November 13, the Foster Angels storage facility was broken into and robbed of $15,000 worth of gifts.
"I heard about what had happened to their program and I wanted to do what I could," said Walker. "I've been blessed to be put in a position where I can help other people out and I just wanted to give something back to the community."
According to Forster Angels Executive Director Mac MacNeel, Walker has done more than give something back; he's restored the joy of the holidays for hundreds of foster children.
"Kenyatta is a big man, but he has an even bigger heart," said MacNeel Wednesday at One Buccaneer Place, struggling with his emotions. "His contribution will go a long way and it puts us ahead of where we were before we were robbed."
In addition to making the monetary donation to the Foster Angel Program, Walker will also help distribute gifts to the foster parents at the program's distribution center on Thursday, December 20. If MacNeel has his way, some of the gifts Walker will be handing out will have a familiar look.
"We're going to go out and buy as many #67 jerseys as we can find," said MacNeel. "Kenyatta has scored a major touchdown for us and we can not even begin to describe what a blessing his donation is."
Walker, however, downplayed his contribution to the Foster Angel Program.
"Being able to help out makes me feel good," said the rookie tackle. "It was a sad thing that happened and I couldn't let it go."
Interested citizens who wish to follow Walker's lead and come to the aid of the Foster Angel Program can call the Children's Board of Hillsborough County at (813) 229-2884.
