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INDIANAPOLIS – The humanitarian hand of 2012 Colts Man of the Year DE Cory Redding gave again as he hosted his annual holiday shopping event for local families in need. More than 40 families were surprised by Redding and teammates at the “Colts Care” event at the Pike Plaza Meijer store on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. The families, served by Concord Neighborhood Center and the Ronald McDonald House of Indianapolis, knew they were participating in a Colts event; however they were not aware of the elements to come. Each family was given $1,000 to spend on items at Meijer, courtesy of Redding, Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay and several of Redding’s teammates.

As families filed into the back of the store for their private party, parents and children were able to enjoy Papa John’s Pizza, snacks and beverages. Once the event kicked off, Redding came out to greet the participating families and announced each family would receive a $1,000 gift card to buy any items their families needed or desired at Meijer! Tears fell, hands clapped and people cheered as a wave of emotion overtook the room. Redding also presented a $3,000 donation to both the Ronald McDonald House and Concord Neighborhood Center. The donation could not have come at a better time for Concord, which unbeknownst to Redding, had recently suffered from a burglary causing hundreds of dollars’ worth of damage to the center. Families applauded for the donations, but Redding insisted that there was more to come.

To officially begin the shopping portion of the event, Redding called for back-up and Colts teammates ILB Moise Fokou, OLB Jerry Hughes, DT Drake Nevis, NT Brandon McKinney, G Joe Reitz, TE Weslye Saunders and OLB Jamaal Westerman, in addition to Colts Cheerleaders and team mascot Blue all ran out to join him and the families. Families were then divided into groups to shop with Colts players who assisted them in making their purchases.

Throughout the evening, personal stories of deep gratitude were shared by families who had a parent recently laid off and wanted to stock up on necessities like toothpaste, socks and undergarments, as well as mothers of young infants sighed in relief as they could now afford a nice Christmas for their current family while finishing their nurseries for the earlier arrival of their babies. Bikes, books, televisions, microwaves and shoes were just a few of the varied selections made by families who carefully and quickly devised ‘game plans’ for spending their money.

This event wrapped up the final “Community Tuesday” for the 2012 Indianapolis Colts regular season. Through it, the lives of more than 200 individuals were relieved of some financial burden and extended holiday gifts with hopes of a bright New Year to come.

To view photos from the event, click here.

About Colts Community Tuesdays

The Colts are proud to team up with WTHR Channel 13 for our 2012 “Community Tuesday” events. During the regular NFL season, Tuesday is the only day off players receive.  As a result, the Colts utilize every Tuesday to engage their players in various charitable events and programs throughout Central Indiana. From schools and hospital visits to blood drives and holiday outreach, Colts players participate in a wide variety of “Community Tuesday” activities throughout the season. For more information on all of the Colts outreach efforts, visit www.colts.com/community.

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