49ers kick off season of giving with Thanksgiving meal for those in need

49ers serve Thanksgiving meal to those in need

The San Francisco 49ers are giving back to the community during their own great football season. Players and their families served Thanksgiving dinner a little early on Tuesday to hundreds of people in need. The event was held at San Jose's Martha's Kitchen.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - The San Francisco 49ers are winning on the field and in the community. The team kicked off the season of giving by serving dinner to hundreds of people in need on Tuesday. 

It was all a surprise for guests at Martha's Kitchen in San Jose who came for a typical evening meal only to find out more than a dozen 49ers plays would be serving them. 

NFL players, including George Kittle, were decked out with festive Thanksgiving hats as they piled plates with turkey, stuffing, and pie for about 275 people. 

Niner newcomer Emanuel Sanders brought his 5-year-old son with him to the event saying, "Excited to be here and hand out turkeys and put smiles on people's faces." 

For Sebastian Solana, the meal was his first Thanksgiving meal living on the streets and he said it meant a lot to him. 

"It's great because they show us support, they show us they care, and they understand what we're going through. It feels good," said Solano.

The 49ers have a dozen community events planned through Christmas which include hospital visits and shopping for toys with children.