A local professional athlete is doing positive things on and off the field.
New York Jets defensive linemen Quinton Coples, a Kinston native, will have his second annual turkey giveaway on Monday.
Kurtis Stewart, the president of the company represented by Coples — Millennium Sports Management Group — said the event will be larger than last year.
“This year we plan on giving 300 turkeys, including 100 in the St. Johns community,” Stewart said. “Quentin is very familiar with the area, having been raised there as a child, and he has relatives there. This is something he’s had his in heart to do and is excited to do this giveaway.
“We’ve partnered with Piggly Wiggly to give out 200 turkeys for the community at large and we’re excited to contribute. We won’t be able to get all of Kinston, but this is something he’s been trying to play a role in and contribute since Day 1.”
Stewart said Coples has been doing his best to stay active in his community, holding his second annual community weekend event in July.
“Obviously, Kinston his been his biggest priority when he got to the NFL,” Stewart said. “He received his chance to give back on a large scale, and what better time to do it than Thanksgiving? He told me ‘I want to give back on wide basis.’ He wants to do events like this annually.”
Mayor B.J. Murphy said Coples’ unselfish behavior and willingness to give back to the community is a noble gesture.
“Quinton is a rising star in the NFL, and we’re proud to call him a son of Kinston,” Murphy said. “Him giving back to the needy in our community surely sets an example not just for the fortunate, but also as a model of giving for everyone in our town.”
Coples was not available for comment, as he is in Baltimore, hoping to help the Jets defeat the Ravens on the road Sunday at 1 p.m.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.
