Hines Ward Brings Christmas Cheer To Needy Families In Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Christmas came a little early for some families in East Liberty.
Former Steelers star wide receiver Hines Ward and his wife are back in town bearing gifts.
"Being Santa Claus for me and my wife, this is the ultimate reward," said Ward. "It doesn't get any better than this cause this is something these kids will cherish for the rest of their lives."
Ward's involvement dates back to 1998 when, as a Steelers' rookie, Mrs. Rooney asked him to help with the charity's drive to get coats for people in need. Now, he's taken it to a different level.
There were gifts for adults, but he certainly didn't forget about the kids who he called up by name.
"It's mind-blowing," said Daniel Sizemore, one of the gift recipients. "This has got to cost a fortune."
"To see the expression on these kids face, we have one kid over here who is crying," said Ward. "It just makes you feel good to have an impact and bring some happiness to these families lives, especially going through some trying times in their lives."
Ward says he knows what the families feel like. The son of a single mom says there was more than one Christmas where money was tight. And it was also really special to help in his adopted hometown of Pittsburgh.
"It's home away from home. I flew up just for this," he said. "I am just so thankful. Just seeing their excitement and their happiness and everyone is hugging each other, eating good. That's what Christmas is all about."
Then, just when it seemed like the perfect night couldn't get any better, Ward made a pretty big announcement.
"I've got TVs for all the families," he told them.
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