Seahawks take kids on a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas shopping spree

When a couple of local Boys and Girls Clubs told their kids they were going to Toys R’ Us this week, they were pretty excited. But little did they know they’d be in for the Christmas experience of a lifetime.

As they gathered in the back of the store Tuesday evening, they were greeted by Buddha-bellied Seahawks standout Brandon Mebane and nearly a dozen of his teammates.

Mebane, KJ Wright, Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Russell Okung and a number of others took pictures and signed autographs with the kids, when Mebane sprung another surprise on them.

“Every kid is going to get $100,” he announced.

The looks of surprise on the faces of kids was priceless. Many couldn’t believe it, especially since most weren’t expecting more than one or two at most.

“I don’t even know what to say,” one young girl told me through tears.

Mebane pays for the gift cards out of his own pocket. The veteran defensive lineman has spearheaded the effort for several years, after taking it over from other players who started it before he joined the team.

There were no corporate sponsors, no PR people promoting the somewhat secret event. Just Mebane strolling the aisles helping kids fill their carts.

“I just like to see kids smile. I know as a professional athlete you can’t help everybody. But you can do some things in the community to help kids, and that’s what I try to do whenever I can,” Mebane said as he watched the nearly 100 boys and girls try to decide how to spend their $100.

Electronics were the most popular selections, especially video games. Some though simply couldn’t choose at all from the overwhelming selection.

“There’s just so many toys. I just don’t know,” one shouted with glee as she raced past with several friends.

One of the the wonderful things was seeing how many players came out to help, and brought their families.

Linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis says the guys don’t ever hesitate to support each other.

“I mean it just shows the bond that we have. You know it’s more than just football. We play on Sundays or whenever the games may be but we love each other off the field and if we have the time we definitely support each and every one of our teammates,” he said.

And they all recognize how much of an impact they can have on kids.

“We’re fortunate enough to be something they strive to be,” said defensive lineman Cliff Avril. “For us to actually come out and see them and do some things for them, I think it touches some of the kids. And it’s pretty cool.”

As the shopping spree continued, what was perhaps most surprising and inspiring was how many of the kids were buying stuff for a loved one, rather than just themselves.

“I just got some things for my sister,” one girl told me.

When I asked her why she hadn’t gotten anything for herself, she told me it was because “I don’t really need anything. She has a new baby so she has to start all the way over from nothing,” she said.

She was far from alone.

“It’s a blessing, because a lot of people don’t get this chance,” another girl told me as she showed Mebane a cart full of gifts, most for her family. “I just thank the Seahawks. I can’t believe this.”

The shopping spree is just one of the many things Mebane and many of the others do to give back all year long.

He’s just launched his family foundation to help with childhood literacy, and a clothing line to raise money for the cause – along with a brand new website celebrating his famous belly roll (as well as his charitable work.)

Although Mebane is in the giving mood, there is one thing he’d love to get: another Super Bowl ring.

“Oh yeah, that would be a pretty good present,” he laughed.