New York Giants’ players Justin Tuck, Justin Pugh, and Terrell Thomas teamed up to host their seventh annual toy drive at the Westfield Garden State Plaza. The event was created to benefit Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy program and The Boys and Girls Club in Bergen County. The players signed autographs for every new book or toy in order to benefit the children of the Boys and Girls Club as well as R.U.S.H.
Justin Tuck has been one of the NFL’s top players for several years now, and he has used his fame and status to improve the community in many ways. Tuck’s R.U.S.H. For Literacy foundation began in 2008 after Tuck and his wife Lauran decided to help underprivileged youth in New York and Alabama by giving them books. The foundation began simply as a book drive, but has grown extensively since 2008. Over 10,000 students have received books, and $200,000 in grants have been given to students since 2008. When asked why R.U.S.H. has grown so considerably he replied, “Honestly, we have so many great sponsors.” Tuck said his goal for R.U.S.H. for 2014 was to “continue on the path of growth” and continue to “help kids cope with the increased cost of college.”
Tuck’s influence has spread beyond just children in need throughout the community; he has also inspired his teammates. The Giants’ 2013 first-round draft pick and offensive tackle, Justin Pugh took part in the Toy Drive for the first time this year. Pugh said, “Being a rookie, you try to follow guys like Tuck.” Pugh said his goals for 2014 were to “become a better man, a better professional, and player.”
Veteran cornerback Terrell Thomas has also joined Tuck with the Toy Drive since his arrival to the NFL in 2008. Thomas is also very involved in the community; he has held events such as poker tournaments and charity shopping events before as well as hosting a football camp for youth every summer. A partial amount of the proceeds are given to Together We Rise, a foundation that tries to improve the foster care system in America. When asked about the Toy Drive, Thomas said “I think it’s an easy, even exchange.” Thomas realizes his potential influence on the community as an NFL player, and has used it for the greater good of the youth in his area.
When asked about their holiday plans, the players said they planned on spending it with their families and continuing traditions such as a White Elephant gift exchange. Through their work for the community, these three players have ensured that many children will have a happy holiday season they might not have experienced without this event.
The players are all signed by Octagon Football agency, which also helped coordinate this event.
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