BUFORD, Ga. -- More than 40 young Falcons fans got a head start on their holiday shopping Tuesday night with the help of some very special guests.
Falcons players Todd McClure, Jerious Norwood, Michael Boley, Chauncey Davis, Quinn Ojinnaka, Keith Brooking, Rod Coleman and Warrick Dunn were on hand at Dick's Sporting Goods at Mall of Georgia for "Shop with a Jock." The annual event pairs members of the Falcons with children representing various agencies and foundations from around Atlanta.
Several players shopped with children served by their own foundations.
Youth received a $100 gift card from Dick's and dinner from Chick-fil-A before scattering across the two-story store with players to shop for themselves and others.
"It's all about the kids coming out and having a good time," Norwood said. "It's something they'll remember for a lifetime."
Norwood's assessment was verified by dozens of smiling faces that sprinted from section to section as players and shopping carts struggled to keep up. The pace eventually slowed, however, as players like Ojinnaka stalked the aisles with a printed shopping list and guests swapped stories with NFL stars.
That interaction was one goal of the event.
"Once you break that ice and introduce yourself you get to know them on a personal level," said Brooking, a veteran of the holiday event.
"A lot of these kids don't get things like this every day," added Boley, who was taking children shopping for the first time. "It's their day."
FALCONS IN THE COMMUNITY: Falcons players had Wednesday off because of an altered, Monday Night Football schedule, freeing up Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday to get out and do good in the community.
Falcons rookie players including Jamaal Anderson, Justin Blalock, Chris Houston, David Irons, Martrez Milner, Stephen Nicholas, Laurent Robinson, Tony Taylor and Jason Snelling competed Tuesday afternoon in the first annual Falcons Cook Off at ESPN Zone. The event featured an "Iron Chef" style competition with dishes judged on presentation, creativity and taste.
Wednesday Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and players including Chris Redman, Michael Koenen, Adam Jennings and Doug Datish visited Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding. The group went room-to-room passing out Falcons-themed teddy bears for the holidays.
DONATE TO TOYS FOR TOTS THIS SUNDAY: Speaking of toys, the Falcons and O’Reilly Auto Parts are partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps for the 2007 Toys for Tots Drive. The team encourages fans to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate prior to the Falcons-Saints Monday Night Football game on Saturday, Dec. 10. Monetary donations will also be accepted in lieu of toys, or fans can visit atlantatoysfortots.com to make a donation online.
