In the wake of the Tops Friendly Markets shooting, Josh Allen and Brandon Beane talked about volunteering and supporting the Buffalo community. (0:42)
The conversations began Saturday night between the Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane, coach Sean McDermott, owners Kim and Terry Pegula, executive vice president of Pegula Sports and Entertainment Ron Raccuia, team captains and others in the organization.
The Bills wanted to help more than just give money and kind words after the Tops Friendly Markets attack that killed 10 people and injured three others.
On Monday, the Bills had tough conversations about what to do next.
On Wednesday, that led to supporting the community.
Running back and special teams captain Taiwan Jones said that it was their job to be here for the community, to be reachable, and to have these conversations. We wanted to show people that we care and that we love them.
Bills players, coaches, front office members and other staff, along with members of the NHL Buffalo Sabres and National Lacrosse League Buffalo Bandits, came to the neighborhood in tour buses. They wore black T-shirts that said "Choose Love" and left bouquets of flowers at a shrine, served chicken alfredo for 750 people, and handed out groceries.
The only thing we care about is... I kind of compare it to one game at a time, like we are here for our community and that is it, and if people want to look at that and find ways to be enlightened or be acted upon. We are just here for our community right now. That is all that matters to us right now.
Some of the players in attendance flew to Buffalo to show their support. Jones has worked with Candles In The S.U.N before and was one of the key players in organizing the effort.
Dion Dawkins said that Buffalo is his first home. It has affected every last one of us, some more than others, but an event like this affects everyone at a height that really can't be explained. The growth helps if you're just being here for the community.
It will take brick-by-brick to rebuild the neighborhood that was targeted by someone. That is where the hurt is. Some people have lost loved ones. It is just unbelievable.
Bills players and personnel volunteered while the team was in its summer training program, and McDermott expressed pride in the number of players who took the time to be there. From Allen serving pasta to the rookies helping cut up food, the impact was felt. The group who brought some smiles to a devastated community slowed traffic next to the site.
The Bills said this is just the beginning.
The national media is here for now, but there is going to be another story soon. It is up to us and we plan to lead the charge. This is a long-term thing, and we have to do our part.
"... In a moment like this the most important thing is just to show love. So, we wanted to come out here and just love on people, show people that we care, we feel for you." Taiwan Jones
Jones said that they were here to listen to what they needed to do. We want to hear from the community how we can help. We know that we have to show up. It's easy for us to be here. The hard part is thinking of a long-term plan.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation and the NFL Foundation made a $400,000 donation Wednesday. The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund and a variety of nonprofits working on emergency response efforts will get the money.
I don't know if there is anything you can say to help someone who is uneasy about something like that. I hear you. Allen said that he was willing to help if there was any way that he could. That's a good example of what our community needs right now.
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