New York Giants and GGL Injury Lawyers Distribute Thanksgiving Meals at John F. Kennedy School in Newark

NEWARK, N.J. – Superintendent León and other Newark Public Schools officials welcomed Super Bowl XLII Champion Jay Alford, volunteers from the New York Giants, and representatives from GGL Injury Lawyers to the John F. Kennedy School last week to distribute Thanksgiving meals to the school’s students and their families.

“It was an honor to welcome Super Bowl Champion Jay Alford, the New York Giants, and our partners at GGL Injury Lawyers as they join us in lifting up Newark families during the Thanksgiving season,” said Superintendent León. “Their generosity reminds our students and our community that they are seen, supported, and valued. At the John F. Kennedy School, where our students inspire us every day with their perseverance and joy, this act of service means even more.”

Alford, a native of the City of Orange whose major contribution to the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII victory was sacking New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady, was happy to be a part of the event.

“Anytime I get a chance to come back and give back to the community, it’s a blessing,” Alford said. “To have an event like this when I can come back and contribute, it’s always a great thing.”

There were no quarterback sacks at the school, but plenty of sacks of food full of everything needed for a Thanksgiving feast including turkeys, stuffing, and cranberries – filled by the volunteers, and among them were Board of Education Co-Vice President Allison K. James-Frison and Board Member Kanileah Anderson.

For Principal Jill Summers-Phillips, the event was a reunion with Alford, who played defensive tackle for Orange High School when she was the cheerleading coach there.

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council expressed his gratitude to everyone who made the event possible.   

“When partners like the New York Giants and GGL Injury Lawyers show up with generosity and heart, they remind our families that they are not alone, especially during the holiday season,” said Council. “We are grateful for their commitment to lifting up our students at the John F. Kennedy School, whose resilience and spirit inspire us every day. Acts of service like this strengthen the bonds that keep our city moving forward.”