Imagine getting to hang out with a professional football player and going on a shopping spree. One group of Kansas City children was more than excited when they got the opportunity Tuesday morning.
Independence native and football player E.J. Gaines handed out $100 gift cards at Toys “R” Us to around 15 children from the Hope Center.
The Hope Center is an organization that helps underprivileged children in the KC metro.
EJ Gaines with Hope Center to give kids $100 gift cards to get whatever they want at Toys R Us! @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/NvAfrCfE4N
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) December 22, 2015
Gaines, a cornerback for the St. Louis Rams, roamed the aisles with the kids picking out the perfect present. Being out for the season with an injury, he said this was a great time to give back to his community.
“Just to bring a little Christmas spirit and joy into their lives,” he said. “I know a lot of these kids come from poor backgrounds or not having much growing up. Being able to come back and give back to them is exciting. I can’t even explain the joy that I have for these kids.”
Anthony Dice II picked out a Ninja Turtles set and a Monopoly game for his sister. We asked him how he felt to be there.
“Super. I never thought I was going to be here doing this,” he said. “It’s just a blessing to come here.”
Dice said he wants to pay it forward and give another child in need a gift.
Gaines said he hopes to make this an annual event and get to know more kids.
“Whether it’s sports or a lawyer or whatever they want to do, just give them aspirations and goals. Being able to come back and do this is fun,” Gaines said.
Gaines was a star cornerback for Fort Osage High School and the University of Missouri.
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Sarah Plake can be reached at sarah.plake@kshb.com.
