LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – On a chilly Saturday morning, a group of University of Louisville and Pittsburgh Steelers fans warmed it up by serving food to those in need.
The group, Cards of Steel, is a nonprofit founded by Joni Gamboa. The groups gathered to watch Steelers football games every day, but they do more than just cheer on their favorite teams.
They help out the community.
“I have members that live off of a social security check every month, and they’ve never been to a football game. By us doing raffles and fundraisers, we’re able to give that life to them,” Gamboa said.
On Saturday, the group set up outside the Salvation Army to serve soup, sandwiches and chips and hand out waters.
For Gamboa’s Vice President of the group, Shannon Green, it’s personal.
“I work for Louisville Metro Housing Authority, and I see every day how hard it is for a lot of displaced people,” Green said. “Because these are the ones that a lot of people drive by, you see them and you don’t see them, and they’re out here, a lot of times they’re cold, they haven’t eaten, they don’t have hydration, they don’t have basic needs that we are blessed with every single day.”
Each bowl of soup served with a smile also came with care packages filled with hats, socks and personal hygiene items.
All to spread a little bit more joy during the season of giving.
“When I’m out here with them, it is football, but it’s them,” Gamboa said.
“It doesn’t cost anything to give someone a smile,” Green said. “It’s important for everyone to feel loved, especially during the holiday time.”
The group also has a branch in Dallas, which also hosted an event on Saturday. To learn more about the organization, click or tap here.
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