Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson is playing Santa Claus again this year, giving Houston children in need a huge Christmas shopping spree.
Although Johnson is no longer with the Houston Texans, he is coming back to the community where he spent twelve years, taking kids from Harris County’s Child Protective Services for the shopping spree, according to the Bleacher Report.
In years past, the kids had 80 seconds (Johnson’s Texans jersey number) during which they were told they could grab whatever they could fit into a cart. But when Johnson was signed onto the Indianapolis team, he switched to number 81, so the kids got an extra second this year.
“I am just blessed to be in the position to be able to make a difference in the lives of these kids during the holidays,” Johnson told the Houston Chronicle. “I always look forward to this event each year because I am able to show my appreciation to my community and give back.”
Although he was not able to be there in person, Johnson FaceTimed with the kids as they beat last year’s shopping spree of $16,000. This year, the kids spent $18,030.25.
.@HoustonTexans @johnson80 might be w the @Colts but he's still paying for #Hou kids' Christmases. #abc13 #socool pic.twitter.com/94w223LPQ2
— Courtney Fischer (@CourtneyABC13) December 8, 2015
THIS moment b4 @johnson80 paid for 12 underprivileged kids to shop for 81 seconds. #kidssaythedarndestthings #abc13 pic.twitter.com/AoaEgjgTIx
— Courtney Fischer (@CourtneyABC13) December 8, 2015
This is just too cool. #abc13 pic.twitter.com/hP3GHmvHZJ
— Courtney Fischer (@CourtneyABC13) December 8, 2015
Almost tiiiiime! Can you guess what's going on? #holidaycheer #thankyouAndre #abc13 pic.twitter.com/HpM2Or6N21
— Courtney Fischer (@CourtneyABC13) December 8, 2015
.@johnson80's mama is the best. "This is home to Andre." That's why he's still buying 4 the kids; skyping in #abc13 pic.twitter.com/kJRBmigQNu
— Courtney Fischer (@CourtneyABC13) December 8, 2015
Shopping chaos!😝 @DADevonAnderson + @houstonpolice drive carts, kids fill them, @johnson80 pays! #abc13 #readysetgo pic.twitter.com/M0RCpUWHVI
— Courtney Fischer (@CourtneyABC13) December 8, 2015
Former @HoustonTexans superstar talking to kids before shopping spree through Skype! @johnson80 pic.twitter.com/d2YEFaCVV7
— Rashi Vats FOX 26 (@rashivats) December 8, 2015