HOUSTON – Andre Johnson gave 12 children a Christmas they will never forget. Although he no longer plays for the Houston Texans, the wide receiver continued his traditional gift giving "Holiday Shopping Spree" for children in the city of Houston.
"Houston will always be home," said Johnson. "I always said that if I'm in the position to help someone out, that's what I'm going to do. To see them happy, makes me happy."
Johnson has been hosting his annual Holiday Shopping Spree for eight years, but this year he was in Indianapolis and could not be there in person. On a big screen (typical Texas style, Johnson appeared via Skype and set the rules for the kids.
"Each of you will get your own cart. You'll have a little over a minute to grab whatever you want. Each of you will get an Xbox, and two games as well so you don't have to worry about that. Have fun, and Merry Christmas," he said.
The 12 children who participated were hand picked by caseworkers from Child Protective Services. Each child was accompanied by one of "Santa's helpers."
Johnson, who has previously partnered with the Houston Police Department for his annual Christmas Bike Giveaway, teamed up with HPD again. Officers with HPD, included Chief Charles McClelland and Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson helped the children grab toys and pile them in the carts.
"I think I'm more excited than they are," McClelland said. "This is a great way to give back."
After each toy was swiped through the register, the children showed Johnson what they picked out. Most of the children grabbed items, not just for themselves, but for their entire family.
"I got Christmas decorations for our house, some lights and scooters for me and my sister," said a 13-year-old.
DeJohn Smith, who is 6 years old, made a mad dash toward the Star Wars aisle.
"I got some race cars too, and some Frozen stuff and Hello Kitty," he said. The Frozen doll and Hello Kitty nightlight are gifts for his sister so that she can have something under the tree.
"I got this for her because im her big brother, and I want to take care if her. She is obsessed with Hello Kitty. This will be her second nightlight," he said.
The shopping spree totaled $18,030.32. Johnson and his mother said it was worth every penny.
"We didn't have this growing up. Andre didn't have this. Now that he does, we can't help but give back. To know that they are smiling and will have a good Christmas means everything! As a mom, this is a proud moment," said Karen Johnson.