VENICE, Fla. -- Venice High School’s football team knows how to score big -- after all, they’re state champions. But these players are champions in their community too.
“What makes the Venice football team champions is what they are doing here today,” says Salvation Army Capt. Jamie Bell, corps officer for the Salvation Army in South Sarasota County.
Each Thanksgiving, the players start their day packing dinners at the Salvation Army in Venice.
“Football is very important, but this is what it’s all about giving to the community the people who support us,” says Noah Carr, he plays safety on the Venice High School football team.
Carr and his team were preparing meals for the elderly who had nowhere to go Thanksgiving Day. It’s the kind of volunteer work that makes him thankful.
“I’m thankful for my family, coaches and all the layers on the team and all the hard work they put in,” he said.
His group headed to Villa San Marcos an assisted living facility, with a list in hand and bags full of food.
“We’re going to deliver our first meal,” Carr told the group.
Each knock brings joy.
“Happy Thanksgiving. We prepared a meal for you to enjoy,” says Hayden Wolff, a senior and quarterback for the Venice High School Indians.
Villas San Marcos resident Sharon Russo smiles. “How nice!”
“Happy Thanksgiving!” the players say as they wave goodbye.
“Happy Thanksgiving and thank you,” Russo replies.
But it was 89 year-old Elliot Markel who made them smile.
“I probably be here alone so it means everything in the world especially on a holiday I appreciate it,” Markel said.
That knock turned into a trip back in time.
“I still have my uniform, first class uniform,” he tells the players.
Carr asks, “Can we see your uniform? Sure.”
Markel – an decorated army veteran served in the Korean War -- shows the player his nearly 70 year-old uniform that’s still in mint condition.
“Which medal are you most proud of?” asks Carr.
“Proud of everyone one of them,” says Markel.
Wolff says, “Learning about him, talking to him and seeing the things he’s experienced. Hearing he’s most likely going to have a lonely day. It was awesome to make his day and put a smile on his face. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.”
“Thank you for your service,” the boys say to Markel as they shake his hand.
The Venice High School football team delivered more than 100 meals. Friday, the state champions host the semi-finals game against Bloomingdale High School.
But regardless of how the game turns out, these boys are already winners.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10 News app now.
Have a news tip? Email tips@wtsp.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
