Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has a heart for his hometown of Copperas Cove. That’s where he led the Bulldogs to a second straight championship in the mid-2000s, and that’s where the organization he founded gave a round to buy 25 children in need.
Last Thursday, the kids — members of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas — roamed the aisles of the Walmart in Copperas Cove, looking for treasures they cherish as the club’s volunteers and staff kept track of their $200 budget — all respectfully. of the Robert Griffin III Foundation.
One of those treasures, a squishy pillow, caught the attention of local student Marnayzia Ford when she rushed to the store near the store’s Garden Center.
“I’ve never had one before,” said Ford, pointing to his pillow that looked like an angel.
At Ford, they were selected about a month ago as one of the children who will enter the stores.
He said: “At first I was surprised. “I asked my mother some questions, (like) how I was chosen (n).”
According to Tiana Quick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas, children are selected based on need.
“A lot of kids may not have as much as others, so this is putting some presents under the tree and putting a smile on a face,” Quick said.
In groups of two – and one group of three – the children walked around with the staff using toys, video games and clothes.
As Quick said, others were cursing, cursing and exclaiming things like “OMG” as they pulled the boxes off the shelves. When given the command to “Go,” many children jumped into action, grabbing objects that caught their eye. Others were more careful about what they found, choosing small and unusual items.
Working for ESPN, the quarterback’s mother, Jacqueline Griffin was in town to share in the joy of the season.
“That smile means everything to me and watching them shop and how happy they are to choose whatever they want and not have to worry about paying for it,” said Griffin, who is president of the organization. the foundation.
However, not all children are self-centered.
“Every year, I’m humbled by the things they say,” Quick said. “They say they want to buy gifts for their siblings or their grandmother or one of their relatives. So, it touches my heart and we are very grateful for the RG3 Foundation and that we were chosen to do this because it helps so many families.”
This is the second time the foundation has offered a shopping spree. Griffin expanded on what Quick said as an example from last year.
“We had a small child last year that all the gifts he bought for himself he wanted to give to other children,” she said. “So, I think when you have these kinds of events and people like Robert who grew up in this community who come back and give back, they teach these kids the importance of giving back and being generous.”
