"We're so excited to be a part of such a great event," said Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix Super Markets, Inc. "There are so many needs this time of year. This is a fun way to give back to the communities we serve and help provide a special moment for families."

Participating families were pre-selected by local nonprofit organizations identified by United Way Suncoast and by Buccaneers Academy program staff. Through Buccaneers Academy programing the Bucs provide resources, enhanced curriculum, and hands-on participation from Buccaneers players and cheerleaders to thousands of underserved students at 24 Title I elementary schools throughout Hillsborough County.

Each family selected received a full Thanksgiving meal with all the traditional fixings, purchased by the Buccaneers offensive line, including contributions from Publix Supermarket. The Bucs O-Line not only purchased these hearty meals, they all showed up to help pass them out and greet families. The Buccaneers Cheerleaders, Captain Fear, and more than three-dozen Buccaneers staff members were joined by O-linemen Josh Allen, Gosder Cherilus, Demar Dotson, Caleb Benenoch, Joe Hawley, Kyler Kerbyson, Ali Marpet, Kevin Pamphile, Donovan Smith, Evan Smith, and Leonard Wester to help alleviate hunger for these underserved families.