Kids Get Chance To 'Wrap-A-Pat' At 20th Annual Patriots Holiday Party
BOSTON (CBS) - The New England Patriots don't really like to be wrapped up by their opponents on Sunday afternoons, but Tuesday night at Gillette Stadium was a whole different story.
The Patriots played host to the 20th annual New England Patriots Children's Holiday Party at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday night, with more than 250 children in need from throughout New England the guests of honor.
The kids were treated to a night of food, games and even a visit from Santa, but the highlight of the evening is always "Wrap-A-Pat," when they get a chance to wrap up Patriots players in Christmas wrapping paper, bows and ribbons.
Players in attendance on Tuesday included Jerod Mayo, Matthew Slater, Andre Carter and Devin McCourty.
"It's good, always try to give back to the community," Mayo told WBZ-TV's Steve Burton. "The holiday spirit is here, I can feel it."
Mayo says his Christmas wish is for everyone to be able to have a happy holiday with their family.
The "Wrap-A-Pat" portion of the evening is not only a favorite of the kids, but also the players getting wrapped.
"I don't think it ever gets old," said Slater. "When you think about how blessed we've been as players and all the opportunities we've been afforded -- we play a child's game and we get paid for it. It's great to come back and give to these kids. These disadvantaged youths, they don't get these opportunities very often so it's awesome to be out with them tonight."
"It makes it all worth it," Slater said of all the smiles he saw at the event.
"Being wrapped up as a present, it's a good time," said McCourty, who could barely see from all the wrapping paper surrounding him. "I'm almost ready to go under the tree."
"It makes you realize how special the holidays really are," said Carter.
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