Isaiah Simmons hasn't yet made it to Arizona, but he's already making an impact off the field.
The Cardinals' first round pick has partnered with Bose and the Cardinals to donate 60,000 meals to the Harvest Compassion Center in the Valley, which will benefit facilities in Phoenix, Chandler and Maryvale.
"I feel like this is a great opportunity to help out in Arizona, which is the new community that I'll be a part of," Simmons said in a statement. "It was a big emphasis for me to come in and make an impact not only on the field but also off the field in the community. So being able to partner with Bose and donate these meals to people that are in need during this stressful time is something that is really important to me."
Harvest Compassion Center is a food and clothing bank serving the needy in the greater Phoenix area. They also offer hygiene, baby and home items for those living below the poverty line.
The COVID-19 crisis has ramped up need in all those areas.
"We are so thankful to Isaiah and Bose for the donation to feed local families during this COVID-19 pandemic," said executive director at Harvest Compassion Center Nicolee Thompson. "During this time, it has been hard. We have been spending four times (our normal weekly rate) on food products to make sure the increased demand is being kept up with."
The Cardinals have been active in the community when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. The organization donated $1 million to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund as well as organizing multiple blood drives at State Farm Stadium. It also worked with State Farm to buy a million meals for those in need.
The Cardinals created "Cardinals Carry-Out" as well, an effort to draw attention and business to locally owned restaurants who are struggling during this time.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins donated $150,000 himself to the AZ Coronavirus Fund, while quarterback Kyler Murray donated $25,000 to buy meals for needy kids who count on school lunches to be fed at this time of year. Like Simmons, linebacker Chandler Jones bought more than 150,000 meals for food banks both in Arizona and in his home state of New York. Larry Fitzgerald delivered meals to first responders. Play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch also created a donation system on Twitter to help those in need during COVID-19.
