Below is a video of the gift drive event.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uho6cqt170udrmh/Video%20Dec%2016%2C%204%2002%2003%20PM.mov?dl=0

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Santa knows it takes a team to deliver gifts on time for the holidays and so do two former NFL players who tackled shopping at West Marine, Target and the Learning Express on Dec. 16. Glade’s area hometown heroes Eric Green, who played for the Arizona Cardinals and Pierre Garcon, who played for the Indianapolis Colts with Peyton Manning, picked out fun items then delivered them with the help of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation.

The foundation partnered with United Healthcare, U.S. Sugar and Helping Hand Foundation to donate nearly $12,000 worth of fishing poles, skateboards, clothing and more. The gifts will be given out to kids in Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee.

“The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation is honored to play Santa and bring some joy to the great kids in the Glades region, who truly need a little help this holiday season,” said Captain Emory Payne with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department.

Both Green and Garcon were touched by today’s events, especially because they used to live in the area. “I grew up in this area, so I feel a great need to give back and help the kids living in these communities today,” said Eric Green, who played high school football in the area.

“I know a lot of the kids would probably not get any gifts this year if it wasn’t for events like this one,” said Garcon, founder of Helping Hand Foundation. “I’m happy to have had a small part in bringing some happiness to these kids.”

It was clear to donating partners, the event was a gift for everyone involved. “Giving back to our local farming communities is important to the people of U.S. Sugar. We try to make a special effort during the holidays to make Christmas more joyful for our local children,” said Brannan Thomas, Community Relations Manager with U.S. Sugar.

“Helping a child today is a gift that keeps on giving. United Healthcare is delighted to work with other companies to bring the joy of Christmas to these deserving children,” said Tom Moore, United Healthcare.

The local communities benefitting from the generosity of others, are beyond grateful. “Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible. The City of Belle Glade is so grateful children in our community will not be forgotten,” said Steve Wilson, Mayor of Belle Glade.