(November 28, 2022) — Change Our Future hosted its annual turkey drives to put turkeys and produce on the tables of needy families this holiday season. This year the foundation hosted turkey drives in Philadelphia, PA, and Indianapolis, IN, and partnered with Prince George’s County, MD, to feed nearly 600 families. Change Our Future, founded by Super Bowl Champion and starting Safety for the Indianapolis Colts, Rodney McLeod, and his wife, Erika McLeod, has provided food to thousands of families in various communities who might otherwise go hungry.
“It is incredible to see how much Change Our Future has grown over the years, and the impact we have been able to make thus far across multiple cities,” said Erika McLeod, Founder of Change Our Future. “Serving with humility is truly what we are all about.”
Food insecurity is a major problem nationwide, affecting thousands. With families facing challenges to put food on the table during the holiday season, Change Our Future pledged to help by providing 600 Thanksgiving baskets to underserved communities, totaling more than 3,000 pounds.
“So many people in our community are hurting with record inflation, and high grocery prices are putting an additional burden on families struggling to put food on their tables,” said Rodney McLeod, Founder of Change Our Future. “Serving and giving is what Change Our Future is all about. We have the chance and opportunity to help somebody in the community who needs help, and that’s what we are going to do.”
Change Our Future’s annual turkey drives provided frozen turkeys, along with produce and dinner sides to vulnerable families. The events highlighted the importance of giving back while inspiring others to do the same. This year’s partners included, the Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center, Rose’s Club House, TCRC Community Healing Center Food Distribution, The International People’s Storehouse, Sharefood Program, Eastern State Penitentiary, Goodwill Industries, Paragon Home Health Care, and Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center.
Throughout the years, Change Our Future has helped over 1000 families and counting during the holiday seasons. Founders Rodney and Erika McLeod encouraged community members to participate and support in this effort. Last year’s drive provided turkeys, chicken breast, ham, vegetables, and bread to over 150 families in Philadelphia.
Special invited guests included the Indianapolis Colts, Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes, Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, 3rd District City of Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie R. Gauthier, Pennsylvania State Representative Amen Brown, and Former Philadelphia City Councilmember Jannie Blackwell.
All events took place on the following dates, times, and locations:
- City of Philadelphia – Friday, November 18th from 10am-1pm at the Lucien E Blackwell Community Center, 761 N 47th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
- Prince George’s County, MD – Friday, November 18th from 12pm-4pm at Ebenezer AME Church, 7707 Allentown Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
- City of Indianapolis – Tuesday, November 22nd from 3pm-5pm at Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center, 2990 West 71st St., Indianapolis, IN 46268
To donate to Change Our Future’s programs/initiatives and help support families in need, community members can contribute here. For press inquiries contact Katrina Highsmith at katrina@thehighsmithgroup.com or call 678-373-9279. To follow the conversation on social media, use hashtag, #ChangeOurFuture.
