Brewers third-base coach Brad Fischer and his wife, Mary, bullpen catcher Marcus Hanel and his wife, Jill, TV play-by-play announcer Brian Anderson and Brewers alum Larry Hisle hit the streets of Milwaukee on Monday morning to distribute Thanksgiving meals to 500 families facing financial struggles this holiday season.

Brewers Charities teamed with 1290-AM WMCS, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Firefighters, Feeding America/Eastern Wisconsin and the Hunger Task Force for this year’s event.

The Thanksgiving meal program has typically targeted 300 families, but was expanded for 2009 as a response to the down economy and job losses. The families were identified through letters and e-mails sent to the radio station and through area community service organizations. 

The Thanksgiving program was a team effort. Feeding America donated the fixings for the families which include stuffing mix, gravy, potatoes, cranberry sauce, macaroni & cheese, canned yams, corn, green beans and fruit, applesauce, strawberry gelatin, corn muffins, cake mixes and frosting. The Hunger Task Force donated 300 turkeys.  The remaining 200 turkeys will be purchased thanks to donations from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Brewers Charities, the Milwaukee Brewers Wives and the Brotherhood of Firefighters.

Thanks to Brewers team photographer Scott Paulus for passing along some photos:

Marsha Williams (far left) and Joyce Harris of Milwaukee receive a Thanksgiving food package from Brewers third base coach Brad Fischer and his wife, Mary. (Scott Paulus/Brewers)

 Former Brewer Larry Hisle, now a member of the club’s community relations department, speaks at a press conference before Monday’s distribution. Pictured (L to R) are Mary and Brad Fischer, Hisle, Brian Anderson and Marcus and Jill Hanel. (Scott Paulus/Brewers)

Typically, Brewers Charities organizes the distribution of about 300 holiday food baskets. This year the total was bumped to 500 to reflect need in the community. (Scott Paulus/Brewers)