Obama Family helps out on Thanksgiving

President-elect Barack Obama and his wife took their daughters to work at a food bank on the day before Thanksgiving, saying they wanted to show the girls the meaning of the holiday, especially when so many people are struggling.

Ten-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha joined their parents to shake hands and give holiday wishes to hundreds of people who had been lined up for hours at the food bank on Chicago’s south side.

Sasha wore a pink stocking hat over her pigtails and Malia had on a purple striped hat as the family handed out wrapped chickens to the needy in the chilly outdoor courtyard. Those seeking food on Wednesday at St. Columbanus also received boxes with potatoes, oranges, fresh bread, peanut butter, canned goods, oatmeal, spaghetti and coffee.

The president-elect, dressed casually in a leather jacket, black scarf and khaki pants, was in a jovial mood, calling out “happy thanksgiving” and telling everyone “you can call me Barack.”

He told reporters that he wants the girls “to learn the importance of how fortunate they are, and to make sure they’re giving back.”

The soon-to-be first lady said the Obamas wanted to give their children “an understanding of what giving and Thanksgiving is all about.”

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Does Tony Romo wear a cape at night?

The ‘Dallas Cowboys’ and ‘Media Coverage’ often means drama.  Let’s not review the many story lines that lead sports and entertainment pages such as Pacman and Jessica.

But, when the sun goes down in Texas the starting QB is quietly building a collection of Good Samaritan deeds.  Does Tony Romo put on a cape at night?

In September, Romo pulled over to help a stranded couple change a tire.  Most recently, Romo enjoyed a movie with a homeless gentleman.   Tim McMahon of the Dallas Morning News discovered the latest act of kindness.

A homeless man who goes by Doc was cashing in change at a Cinemark theater in Dallas when a guy walked up and offered to pay his way into the movie. Doc, who planned to spend his day passing out flyers for a few bucks, accepted a rain check before realizing that he recognized the generous gentleman.

“Was that Tony Romo?” Doc asked the kid behind the counter.

It sure was. Doc hustled across the street to the consignment store that paid him to occasionally pass out flyers and requested the day off.   By the time he got back to the theater, “Role Model” had already started.
Romo, who confirmed the story but didn’t want to elaborate, waved Doc over to sit by him and his buddy.

Doc sheepishly mentioned that he hadn’t showered in a few days. “Don’t worry about that,” Romo said. “I’m used to locker rooms.”

And so the $67 million quarterback and a man who doesn’t have $6.70 to his name sat next to each other and shared laughs for 90 minutes or so.

For Romo, who made news by changing a couple’s tire on the side of the road on the way home the night of the season opener, it was just another kind gesture to a random stranger. It meant the world to Doc.

“For me, it was a blessing,” Doc said. “It came at just the right time. It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind. I just wanted to say thank you.”

Dallasnews.com, other sources

Entrepeneur and Homeless man change each others lives

Pete Kadens was on his way to yet another meeting one Chicago morning when he noticed Troy McCoullough sitting on a Chicago sidewalk.  Something brought these two men together to share their stories.  Now, they’re both learning the  power anyone of us has to change one man’s life.  If you ever dreamed of making a difference, this is the story for you.