NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Foster children from the Tennessee Department of Children's Services attended Titans practice and received gift cards that were donated by Titans owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr., players, administrators, cheerleaders and other staff on Friday.
The Titans enjoyed hosting their 11th annual Christmas party for the foster children. The party for thirty-one children, ages 10 to 15, included Papa John's pizza for lunch, goodie bags with Titans merchandise, a gift card for each child to purchase presents for themselves and/or family members and autograph and photo sessions.
Carla Aaron, executive director of child safety with DCS, said the children enjoyed the unique opportunity to attend practice to meet their favorite players.
"The Titans are generous every year," Aaron said. "Every year they give gift cards to a local shopping mall or store. Many of these kids don't have the opportunity or the resources to go shopping like that. Once they leave here, they have another experience to spend their gift card. They also got a gift bag with other Titans merchandise, and they're going to get things signed, so there's a lot to take away from this experience besides the memories they have."
The eyes and smiles of the young people lit up at the end of practice as the players began walking their direction.
"It's something that all of us players really felt in our heart was a good thing to do," said Kamerion Wimbley, who spent time in a foster home during his youth. "It's great to be able to give back during this time of year, and I think the kids really enjoyed it; it was a special time for them and it's just a good thing for us to be able to take part in that.
"We've been blessed to be here in the NFL and we're able to give back, and I just think it's great that everybody here has a heart for giving and being active in the community," Wimbley added.
The children were hosted during the lunch by Titans Cheerleaders Ashley P., Brooke, Chocez, Jessica and Stephanie B., as well as members of the Tennessee Titans Women's Association. T-Rac also joined the youth for lunch, delivering his zaniness to the fun event.
Titans coach Mike Munchak also enjoyed the opportunity to greet the guests and sign autographs and pose for pictures after practice.
"It's a great situation for everybody," Munchak said. "I'm sure they'll keep doing this. These guys love being involved in this kind of thing, they love meeting the kids, and I think the kids enjoy it a lot too."
Brooke, a team captain who is in her seventh and final year on the squad, said the cheerleaders enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the young people and brighten their spirits.
"This day is really exciting because we get to come together and hopefully make their Christmas a little better," Brooke said. "Some of them are with their families, some of them aren't with their families, so we just try to help the foster kids have a good time. It's a great time for them to come out and meet the players and spend time with the cheerleaders. It's a really fun holiday tradition for me."
About Tennessee Department of Children's Services
The Tennessee Department of Children's Services provides foster homes, group homes and other residential settings to thousands of children in the State of Tennessee. They range from early school to teenage years and are awaiting a family to adopt them and provide supportive homes that meet emotional, physical and social needs.
More information about DCS is available by calling 1-800-DCS-KIDS or visiting www.state.tn.us/youth.
