CHARLOTTE — Panthers defensive end Brian Burns gave kids at a family center, Thompson Child & Family Focus, a holiday to remember when he brought gifts on Tuesday.
The NFL star handed out gifts to all the kids and spent time with them. Burns told Channel 9 this was a surreal moment and that he always listens for his young fans in the crowd.
“It’s a surreal moment and I always say this because even on game days when kids are screaming ‘Spider-Man Burns’ or the little boy that was dressed in the Spider-Man costume, I just love things like that and I love seeing their smiles and brightening up their day,” said Burns.
Burns will be partnering with “Friends of the Children”, a mentoring program for both children and parents. The program is based on a national model with a 12-and-a-half-year-long commitment.
“Friends of the Children” currently has over 50 students enrolled in the Charlotte area. Burns and his family plan to be a part of the mentoring program long after the holidays.
(WATCH BELOW: Panthers punter kicks off holiday season giving back to area kids)
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