PINEVILLE, N.C. — Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was back in Charlotte on Wednesday, and he was spreading holiday cheer to 10 local children.
Smith gave each child a $200 gift card to spend at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pineville.
[Santa Cam's surprise sleigh delivers gifts to families in need]
Smith said giving back is a lot more than just crossing something off his holiday to-do list.
“At the end of the day, one of these kids is going to do something special, and so when they have that opportunity, I want this moment to speak to them, so they can do the same,” Smith said. “That's what it's about. It's about paying it forward."
The 10 recipients are part of "Life Hoops," a mentoring program for young men in Charlotte.
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