The Babineaux brothers and Jamaal Charles weren’t in town this week but they were still able to extend a helping hand to the community.

The Port Arthur men are busy preparing for upcoming professional football games — Jordan Babineaux, plays for the Seattle Seahawks; Jonathan Babineaux plays for the Atlanta Falcons and Jamaal Charles plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The families of the men have been giving back to the community for years and this year was no different.

Jean Babineaux, sister of Jordan and Jonathan Babineaux, represented the Babineaux Family Foundation teamed up with Ranyasha Roberts, cousin of Charles who was representing Jamaal Charles “Youth Matters” Family Foundation gathered with volunters to distribute 200 meals, incuding turkey, to the needy at Sacred Heart-St. Mary Catholic Church parish hall on Monday.

Babineaux said this is the fifth year the Babineaux Family Foundation has reached out to the community. Through the years the Babineaux’s have teamed up with fellow Port Arthuran Kevin Everett, now retired from the Buffalo Bills, as well as Trill Fashions, to help the less fortunate.

“We are looking to feed 200 families in need for the Thanksgiving holiday,” she said.

Outside the parish hall, hundreds of people stood upwards of three hours to receive the fixings for their holiday meal.

Roberts said it feels wonderful to help this in need.

“We are blessed, both families, with the opportunity to come back and help people in Port Arthur,” Roberts said. “If they weren’t in (football) season, they’d be here.”

Tables inside the hall were filled with brown paper bags containing macaroni and cheese, stuffing mix, canned goods cranberry sauce and turkey.

Asia Banks was one of about 200 who stood in line for some holiday assistance.

“I think it’s real nice for them (Babineaux and Charles families) to do this,” Banks, who has a son, age 7, said. “Some people may not have much of a chance to have a Thanksgiving meal without this and I’m one of them.”

mmeaux@panews.com