PITTSBURGH -- Steelers’ Max Starks hosted his annual Thanksgiving Food Drive with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Tuesday at the Waterfront.

The offensive lineman rounded up his football buddies, including Dennis Dixon, Jeff Reed and Greg Warren, for the special event he has been hosting for a couple years now.

“My teammates came out. To be able to give back to families in need is just awesome,” said Starks.

VIDEO: Steelers' Max Starks Hosts Thanksgiving Food Drive

Inside the old Filene’s Basement, family after family picked up full Thanksgiving meals that included not just turkeys but canned vegetables, potatoes, Jell-O and juice as well.

Outside, dozens waited in line patiently to receive the meals and meet some their favorite players.

Thanks to Starks, his teammates and the food bank, about 250 families in need are now looking forward to a great Thanksgiving.

What will Starks be doing this Thanksgiving?

“My wife is cooking. It’s our first Thanksgiving together. We’re having some family and friends over. We’ll stop over for dessert to my friend Charlie Batch’s house,” said Starks.

If backup quarterback Dennis Dixon gets the wish bone, I think I know what he may wish for this Thanksgiving.

Ben Roethlisberger is expected to play Sunday, but with his health in question, I asked Dixon if he thought he would get some playing time.

“Who knows. I’m continuing to prepare like I always do,” said Dixon. “Hopefully.”