JuJu Smith-Schuster and his foundation continue to do good in the Pittsburgh area community

Professional athletes are enigmas in their own way. In the public eye, the focus is typically on the negative. Anytime a player does something which is considered negative in the public eye it is plastered all over websites and newspapers. However, the opposite isn’t always true. So many professional athletes do tremendous work within their communities, and it goes completely unnoticed.

This is part of the ‘Steelers Do Good’ series I have done at BTSC for years. When a player does something good in the community, I feel it is at least worthy of mentioning. These players aren’t always self-centered and egotistical, but often are spear-heading initiatives across the globe.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, and his JuJu Foundation, have done a tremendous job helping the Pittsburgh community, and they continue to do so as they gave out over $75,000 in grant money to specific organizations.

“On behalf of the JuJu Foundation, we recognize these 10 great Pittsburgh area non-profit organizations for the important work that they do,” said Smith-Schuster via the Steelers official website. “We hope that their work continues to make a positive impact in our community.”

The grant recipients include Animal Advocates, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Jeremiah’s Place, Holy Family Institute, Light of Life Rescue Mission, PA Women Work, Reading Is FUNdamental Pittsburgh, Unpack U, and UPMC Senior Services.

Places like the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, as access to quality foods hasn’t always been there for local residents. They were more than happy to see the JuJu Foundation help with this specific grant opportunity.

“The Food Bank greatly appreciates this grant from the JuJu Foundation,” said Lisa Scales, President of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. “As so many of our neighbors continue to struggle to put food on the table and make tough choices between buying food and paying for other household essentials, this contribution will support our goal to stabilize lives in Southwestern Pennsylvania.”

Smith-Schuster has been in the news this offseason for his first shot at free agency, and it was anything but noteworthy. After weeks on the open market Smith-Schuster decided on returning to the Steelers on a one-year contract. This doesn’t just mean Smith-Schuster will continue to catch passes for the black and gold, but the JuJu Foundation will continue to keep helping the Pittsburgh area community at the same time.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the rest of Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.