RAINELLE- The New York Giants’ stay in Greenbrier County for training camp has left a lasting impact both on and off the football field, as the organization recently presented a $10,000 donation to Wellspring of Greenbrier, a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry and day shelter for individuals and families in need.
According to Wellspring Executive Director Amanda Jones, the Giants selected the organization after researching ways to give back to the community during their time in the area. Jones said Giants representative Jack Mara contacted Wellspring about a month before the team arrived, informing the organization that it had been chosen to receive the donation.
The team also donated hygiene items which were driven to Greenbrier County by Mara.
“We want to especially thank Giants employee, Jack Mara, who found us online and brought all these donations down from New York in his personal vehicle,” Jones stated.
During the team’s Family Day at training camp, Jones and members of the Wellspring staff were invited to attend practice, where they watched the team in action and were presented with the donation check.
“The whole organization was just incredibly welcoming,” Jones said.
“Everyone was so kind and personable. We even had the opportunity to meet the family of one of the team’s rookie draft picks–Bobby Jamison-Davis, DT from Auburn– and hear about his journey to the NFL. It made the experience even more meaningful.”
The donation comes at a critical time for Wellspring as demand for its services continues to grow.
Jones said the organization’s annual food budget has increased dramatically, rising from approximately $26,000 last year to nearly $75,000 this year as more individuals and families turn to the nonprofit for assistance. She said the Giants’ gift will help Wellspring continue providing meals and other essential services to those in need throughout the Greenbrier Valley.
Jones also praised the Giants for making a genuine effort to connect with the local community during their stay.
In addition to the $10,000 donation to Wellspring, the organization donated $5,000 each to the football programs at Greenbrier East and Greenbrier West high schools. Jones said those contributions, along with the team’s kindness and willingness to engage with local residents, left a lasting impression.
“It wasn’t just the donation,” Jones said.
“They genuinely cared about the people here. From making us feel welcome at practice to helping us when it started pouring the rain, they brought towels for us to sit on.”
Jones even joked that although for 40 years she has been a Raiders fan, she might have to become a Giants fan after the kindness that was shown to her and the Wellspring staff.
