MACON, Ga. — Former University of Georgia football star and current National Football League linebacker for the Chicago Bears Roquan Smith gave back to his community.
Sabrina Burse went to the "Gratitude Huddle" event to see how he wants to impact families this Thanksgiving.
"His hometown means everything to him," said Smith's mother, Shaquana Thomas.
On Friday night, Smith partnered with the Boys & Girls Club and a Perry Chick- Fil-A to feed about 65 families.
Smith's aunt, Shaquwanda Baker, says he couldn't be at the event because he was working.
She says it was important to him to help bring the Boys & Girls Club families together.
"Our family is the foundation of who we eventually become and we don't ever want to lose that focus," said Baker.
Smith spoke to the families through a video at the event.
"The Boys & Girls Club means a lot and I can't express my gratitude over the years for the support I've received, so thank you guys, and I wish I was able to be there," said Smith.
Donna Price has a daughter in the Boys & Girls Club and says the event was an opportunity to sit down and bond with her daughter over a hot meal.
"I'm thankful for tonight. I'm thankful for Roquan for giving back," said Price.
Each person got a hot plate full of chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, a salad, and a cookie.
Marvin Laster with the Boys & Girls Club says they try to host a family engagement event once a quarter.
"This gratitude huddle is really about young people and their families come together and spend meaningful time together," said Laster.
Each family received a frozen turkey and sides to take home and eat on Thanksgiving Day.
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