Ray Rice Gives Away Back-To-School Supplies To Baltimore Kids
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- More than a thousand local kids received free back-to-school goodies, thanks to a famous face from the Baltimore Ravens.
Monique Griego has more on how Ray Rice is using his celebrity off the field to help those in need.
A line of loaded backpacks given away to a crowd of deserving kids and parents who need the help.
"It's very hard," said Shawna Brim, a mother. "Everything is increasing in price. It's so nice that there are people willing to help."
But what made these bags and the giveaway even more special was who helped make it happen.
"Football, they can take away from me but my education, they can't," Ray Rice said.
The Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice partnered with the non-profit Diakon Kathryn's Kloset to collect enough backpacks and supplies to hand out to more than a thousand kids. Including Makayla Brim, who loved her new bag.
"Because it's green and it has a lot of stuff in it for school," Makayla Brim said.
"Just being in my position, you gotta be in a position to be able to give back," Rice said. "I'm just blessed and fortunate to do something great for these kids."
What is different about this year's giveaway is that Rice and other players put out a plea on Facebook to find out personal stories about families who could really benefit from these supplies.
"Sometimes they're proud, they don't want to ask for it," said Wade Brown, founder of the Diakon Kathryn's Kloset. "But they have someone reach out to them and help them realize that we're here to do this. It's just great."
Wade Brown founded the Diakon organization. He says help from players like Ray Rice is priceless. The families agreed.
"Very exciting," Shawna Brim said. "Great to know he gives back to the community. It's wonderful."
Former Baltimore Raven Derrick Mason was also part of putting together Friday's giveaway.
Despite being traded to the Jets, organizers say he is still involved in helping Baltimore's children.
