Thanks to the generosity of Baltimore Ravens’ Running Back Willis McGahee, some of Howard County’s neediest children enjoyed gifts they may not have otherwise received this holiday season.
Helping others is nothing new for McGahee. For several years he has provided Thanksgiving meals, toys, coats, educational materials and other support to those in need in the Howard County area. His philanthropic efforts recently earned him the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year award. McGahee seeks to touch the lives of families who often struggle day-to-day to keep food on the table, a roof above their heads and come under great stress during the holiday season.
With rising energy costs and a slow economy, it means that more people than ever will be depending on the generosity of others this year. McGahee wanted to make sure no family has to make the difficult decision between heating their home, putting a hot meal on the table, or providing a little joy to their children during the holidays. “It’s been very humbling for me to participate in the community at a grassroots level. My hope is to inspire these kids and to let them know people care about them and that they can be anything they want in life,” McGahee says. “I am so blessed to be in a position to share with others and to be a part of teaching the kids that it’s important to be involved in the community.”
During the holidays many disadvantaged children not only go without gifts for themselves but are not able to give even the smallest gift to someone else. These circumstances often lead to lower self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. By helping these children experience “the gift of giving,” McGahee aimed to make their holidays a bit brighter and bolster their feelings of self-worth. In addition to toys for the kids, McGahee provided gifts for the children’s loved ones. Children were able to choose a gift for their loved one and wrap it during the holiday celebration. The children also enjoyed refreshments provided by Putting on the Ritz catering and will had the opportunity to decorate their own cupcakes.
