NFL player gives holiday joy to local kids

WYNNEFIELD HEIGHTS - December 8, 2009 The kids from Lingelbach Elementary in Germantown were in for a special kind of field trip Tuesday: a shopping spree at the Target on Monument Ave, paid for by a former Temple football star, Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle, Raheem Brock.

"I was able to give back, help a family, help out a kid and know I put some excitement in somebody's like because they'll always remember."

The kids couldn't decide what was more exciting: free toys or meeting someone famous.

For Brock, who grew up in Germantown, this was a chance to do something nice for his old elementary school.

About a hundred kids at Lingelbach entered an essay contest. But just these 45 made the final cut.

Brock, joined by members of the Temple football team, cruised the aisles, helping the kids find the perfect toy.

"I got a skateboard, a Tony Hawk skateboard," said Mohammad Sissoko.

"It's like a racing game for DS, for Nintendo DS and I think it's pretty cool so I picked it," exclaimed Ondres Trice-Kitchens.

"Some of the things I know I couldn't get, I can get it now," said Imani Byers.

With a limit of $75 most of these kids could pick out multiple gifts and a lot of them said they weren't just thinking about themselves.

"Something for my brother and I don't particularly know what he wants though but I'll try to find something he likes."

"I'm really excited because I'm going to get presents for all my family," said Cianni Carter.

On Brock's Christmas list is a Superbowl ring. Barring that today was the best gift.

"Everybody's happy; everybody's having fun that's what it's all about."

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