Tony and Dolly Ellis

SAN DIEGO – Nov. 13, 2007 – Lift Up America and the San Diego Chargers  teamed up with Tyson Foods to deliver the gift of food to the area’s less fortunate on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007.   Chargers players were on hand to help unload two truckloads, or more than 60,000 pounds, of Tyson products, capping off a 90,000 pound donation to the region, which has been stricken by fire.
San Diego Chargers who  participated included: Kassim Osgood, Eric Weddle, Steve Gregory, Jacques Cesaire, Ryon Bingham, Scott Chandler, Chris Chambers, Marques Harris, Buster Davis, Jamal Williams and Eldra Buckley.
“Our partnership and team spirit between these great organizations has a tremendous impact,” said Dave Hannah, CEO of Lift Up America. “It is truly inspirational to see so many entities coming together with such a noble goal in mind.”
 “We’re honored to join forces with such caring organizations to help the people of the San Diego area,” said John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods. “We hope our contribution inspires others to participate in the fight against hunger”
This is the second time this fall Tyson has pitched in to help Californians.  The company recently donated 30,000 pounds of protein to help feed people affected by the October wildfires.  The food was distributed locally through the Red Cross and was enough to provide 360,000 meals.  Tyson Foods has routinely responded in times of disaster, providing food to hungry people affected by the events of 9/11, Katrina and most recently, the flooding in Minnesota.

The The Marrero family's home and community in Camden, New Jersey have been extremely made over, thanks in part to Tyson Foods, Inc. , the world's largest producer of chicken, beef and pork. Tyson teamed up with ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to unveil a new home for the Marrero family and make a donation of 20,000 pounds of meat to St. Joseph's Church and the Food Bank of Southern New Jersey, both located in Camden. This episode aired Sunday, November 11 (8-9 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC.

"At Tyson, we believe it is inexcusable that 39 million Americans are at risk of hunger, 13 million of whom are children," said Dave Hogberg, Sr. VP Consumer Products for Tyson. "Over the past seven years, we have donated more than 48 million pounds of protein to hunger relief, and today, we are honored to make this food donation to the deserving and hardworking Camden community."

ABC chose the Marrero family because of their ability to do more than just survive, but rather thrive, against the odds in Camden -- a city known for its crime-ridden streets and high poverty levels. Despite suffering from a serious heart condition, being laid off of work, and raising five boys alone, the family's patriarch, Victor Marrero, remains the rock in his family and the community.

Victor started a guidance group for other single fathers in Camden at St. Joseph's Church, which inspired Tyson Foods to donate a freezer stocked with protein and $13,500 worth of coupons to be used at local supermarkets. In total, Tyson's donation to St. Joseph's and the Food Bank of Southern New Jersey is valued at more than $60,000.