NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans continued their day of holiday outreach with the Salvation Army by participating in the third annual Angel Tree Telethon hosted by WSMV, Channel 4.
Titans players Kris Durham, Taylor Lewan, Delanie Walker and George Wilson joined Titans cheerleaders and staff to answer phone calls for donations Wednesday evening between 7-8 p.m.
"The Titans are the main sports team with most notoriety and most awareness," said Salvation Army Executive Director of Development Gerald Brown. "It really shows that the organization wants to give back to the community and we are blessed they wanted to do it for the Salvation Army."
Titans players, cheerleaders and staff take phone calls to raise money for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. (Photos: Joshua Love)
The Angel Tree program provides less fortunate children and seniors personalized gifts and necessities who would otherwise receive very little or nothing during the holiday season. Assistance is provided for those living in Metro Nashville, not served by other agencies, and also those living in Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Sumner and Williamson Counties.
Titans starting tight end Delanie Walker is no stranger in helping the Salvation Army. Earlier this season, he provided 60 students from Salvation Army's Magness Potter Community Center backpacks filled with school supplies.
"I feel like whatever I can do in the community, I'm always willing to lend a hand," said Walker. "If that's coming here and letting people know the Titans organization is a part of it and it will get people to call and donate, I'm all for it."
Last holiday season, the Salvation Army raised $11,000 from the telethon. With the combination of avenues to donate to the Angel Tree program, the nonprofit raised enough funds to assist 4,092 families and provided over 35,000 gifts to 9,696 "angels" from the Greater Nashville area.
This year, with the help of the Tennessee Titans, the Angel Tree program was able to raise $21,000 from the telethon!
"I don't think it would have been possible without the Tennessee Titans," Brown said.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree donation opportunities are not completed, but it is safe to say from the assistance of the Tennessee Titans, the nonprofit will be able to help more families, children and elderly this holiday season.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Angel Tree program and/or make a donation.
