NFL Player Gives Back With “My Cause My Cleats” Campaign
Second year Denver Broncos defensive lineman McTelvin Agim is quick to Remember and recognize The Salvation Army for being there at a time when his family was struggling.
"When I was a kid, we had a rough time, a rough patch growing up," Agim says. The family had no place to live and for about a year, they found refuge at The Salvation Army shelter in Texarkana. The experience was a formative one, shaping Agim's outlook on life and his dedication to helping others in need.
The support and example of Salvation Army staff made a significant impact on young McTelvin. "They understand you," Agim says. "The counselors at The Salvation Army were trying to make sure we knew we didn't have to worry about anything." Special effort was made to make the family's living space as homey as possible, and trips to the park and basketball court made for a fun and positive environment.
"The Salvation Army gave us sanctuary," Agim says, "a place to lay our heads. I wouldn't be here without them. I can't ever repay them for that time, for how important that was for us. But to be able to do something and give back to them is something I try to do all the time."
During the NFL's annual My Cause My Cleats campaign, Agim showed his support by putting The Salvation Army shield on a pair of custom-designed and autographed cleats. Proceeds from the auction of the cleats will benefit The Salvation Army.
His surroundings and circumstances have changed since being drafted by the Broncos in 2020, but he hasn't lost sight of his past: "I don't think you ever forget where you come from. You don't ever forget the struggles, the trials; any of that."
Agim also adopted a family for the holidays through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. Beyond the material gifts, Agim is also able to provide something even more important: Hope.
"We are so grateful for the generous support of McTelvin Agim," said Captain Juan Gomez of The Salvation Army in Texarkana. "Every day, men, women and children, just like the Agim family, come through our doors without us knowing who they are or who they're going to become. What's important is that we show them God's love and care, right where they are."
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.