Thanksgiving meals provided annually by the foundation to all fire stations and emergency dispatch fill first responders with holiday spirit
For the seventh consecutive year, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers great and local legend Mike Alstott delivered Thanksgiving groceries to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews and Emergency Dispatch staff at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue headquarters.
The Mike Alstott Family Foundation makes every year's Thanksgiving meal extra special for crews at the 47 Hillsborough County Fire Rescue fire stations and Emergency Dispatch.
Alstott has long been passionate about supporting first responders. Alstott has often expressed his admiration for their dedication and sacrifice, and this annual gesture is his way of giving back to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe.
"It's an honor to give back to our first responders and specifically Hillsborough County Fire Rescue for this Thanksgiving holiday," said Alstott, who delivers the meals in person with his team.
The Mike Alstott Foundation donates a complete Thanksgiving meal with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, cheesecake, and ground coffee -- all the fixings that firefighters needed to prepare memorable Thanksgiving meals at all 47 Hillsborough County fire stations and Emergency Dispatch.
Firefighters and emergency dispatchers working on Thanksgiving spend the holiday away from their families. The fire crews celebrate the holiday together with their fire family, and the generosity of the Alstott Family Foundation makes it extra special.
"They're out here every day protecting us and they're there for us in a time of need, and it's the least we can do to say thank you," Alstott said. "We're very thankful for them and just want to show our appreciation."
This story is part of Hillsborough County's 50-for-50 Series, a historic review of some of the memorable events, dates, and people in the history of Hillsborough Fire Rescue, which was born on Aug. 27, 1973.
Want to know more? Read additional stories that show the growth, bravery, and specialized operations of Hillsborough County's largest department.