Advertisement Browns receiver treats Tri-State kids to shopping spree 100 children get belated Christmas gift Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Dozens of Tri-State children got a belated Christmas surprise from an NFL player who calls Ohio home.Former Bengal and current Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins came back to town to give back to the community on Tuesday."God has just blessed me so much and I just feel like it's our duty to give back. 'To whom much is given, much is required,' and that's something that I live by," Hawkins said. "I can remember a time when we didn't have great Christmases and it's important for me to try to help others out."In conjunction with St. Vincent de Paul, Hawkins donated $15,000 to their "Kids Dream Too" program, which provides beds to kids who don't have one.After the check presentation and lunch, 100 kids were then treated to a shopping spree at Toys R Us, courtesy of a man who gives all credit to the one who has put him in a position to bless others.Photos: Andrew Hawkins' shopping spree"So as a kid it gives you hope, you know what I mean, and I just want to do that for someone else. Do it for these families, and I'm so excited for the kids to come and really be a part of it,” Hawkins said.Sandrana Wilson received her golden ticket to shop with her two youngest children. She was thankful to be able to reward her kids for being so selfless. They had just moved into a new home, and were unexpectedly kicked out of another gift program."My thing was, my kids' Christmas present was us moving into the house, and then everything else would come afterwards, and they weren't complaining about any gifts or anything,” Wilson said.Hawkins said he just wants those kids to pay it forward."I think that's what Christmas is really about. You know, Jesus came and he gave everything he had," Hawkins said. "And the same way I'm giving back, I think it will teach the kids also to give back and think about others, because giving is what it's really about."