Spreading Joy and Support: The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation’s Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise in Newark, NJ

This holiday season, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) brought joy and much-needed support to the Newark community through its annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise. In a heartfelt initiative led by Malcolm Jenkins, author, philanthropist, and two-time Super Bowl Champion, TMJF and its partners provided 155 deserving families with not only a holiday feast, but also toys and other essentials, embodying the spirit of giving and community support.

Since its inception, the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise has been a cornerstone of TMJF’s efforts to combat food insecurity, particularly during a time of year that can be financially stressful for many families. This year, the need was more significant than ever with rising food costs deeply affecting the community. In response, the foundation, along with its community partners and volunteers, worked tirelessly to assemble and distribute festive holiday dinner baskets filled with nutritious and festive foods.

The baskets included everything needed for a full holiday meal: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, green beans, cornbread mix, collard greens, mac-n-cheese, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, condensed milk, chicken broth, bread, apple juice, and even an apple pie. Additionally, each basket contained utensils, plates, a roasting pan, and a holiday greeting card personally signed by Malcolm Jenkins.

This wonderful event was made possible through the generous support of Amerigroup and contributions from the Black Leadership Forum at Prudential, which organized a toy drive. Students from KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy also played a crucial role, volunteering their time to assist with the packing of the baskets. Their involvement underscored the importance of community service and the impact of youth participation in charitable activities.

Sharmaine Lewis, Founder and Student Leader at KIPP Newark, remarked on the significance of the school hosting the event for the second consecutive year, emphasizing the value of providing such opportunities for students to give back to their community.

Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, TMJF President & CEO, highlighted the ongoing challenge of food insecurity, particularly during the holiday season. She noted, "This time of year is especially hard for families. For the past 13 years, we have held this event in multiple cities of the Foundation’s footprint, as we’ve observed the rapidly growing number of people, especially children, who experience food insecurity.”

TMJF extends its gratitude to all the sponsors, partners, and volunteers, including ShopRite of Newark, Brookdale ShopRite, individual donors, and the various community partners listed at the end of this release. Their support is invaluable in making the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise a success year after year.

As we move forward, TMJF is calling on the public to support these initiatives by making a donation. Every contribution, regardless of size, can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. To help, please visit https://www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org/donate.

This holiday season, through the combined efforts of all involved, TMJF has not only provided meals but has also strengthened the fabric of the community, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays is a reality for all, regardless of their circumstances.

Homecoming of Triumph: Malcolm Jenkins' Unveiling Legacy

Returning to his roots in Piscataway, NJ, Malcolm Jenkins, the esteemed two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler, brought with him an invaluable gift—a story of resilience and triumph, encapsulated in his memoir, "What Winners Won’t Tell You, Lessons from a Legendary Defender."

The impact of Jenkins' visit was profound, resonating deeply within the Piscataway School District, which now plans to provide his memoir to senior English Language Arts students, offering an inspiring narrative of courage, resilience, and the profound wisdom derived from facing life's challenges head-on.

Jenkins' memoir is not merely a recounting of victories; it's a testament to the journey that led to success. It paints a vivid picture of the obstacles he conquered, both on and off the field, serving as a guiding light for perseverance and determination. Beyond his NFL accomplishments, Jenkins has carved a path as a successful entrepreneur, a committed philanthropist through The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, and a dedicated father to his two daughters.

Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli echoes the sentiment of being part of Jenkins’ educational journey, underscoring the values of hard work, humility, and kindness as the foundation of success. The far-reaching impact of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation across various states reflects their commitment to empowering youth and families.

Jenkins himself emphasizes that his memoir isn't just about winning; it's a testament to never giving up. His hope is to equip the community and the youth with the tools and inspiration to confront life's challenges head-on, much like he did.

His return to Piscataway isn't just a reunion; it's a celebration of a journey that began in the same halls and fields where he's now being honored. The decision to hang his jersey among other illustrious alumni in the Anthony Gym stands as a symbol of his enduring legacy within the community.

In a year filled with milestones, including the publication of his memoir and induction into The Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame, Jenkins graciously acknowledges the support of mentors, teachers, and peers from every stage of his life.

For those eager to explore the lessons shared in "What Winners Won’t Tell You" and discover more about The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, visit [WhatWinnersWontTellYou.com](www.whatwinnerswonttellyou.com) and [TheMalcolmJenkinsFoundation.org](www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org) respectively.