Giants punter, Morris Catholic take kids on Target shopping spree

EAST HANOVER – New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford and Morris Catholic teamed up Monday to make the holidays more magical for 50 underprivileged East Orange students, who were each given $100 to go on a shopping spree at Target.

It was Weatherford's fourth year taking local kids on a holiday shopping trip on behalf of his World Champion Foundation, but the first time Morris Catholic or the East Hanover Target were involved.

To help assist the kids shopping, Morris Catholic sent 10 players and two coaches from its football team, and President Michael St. Pierre. The school donated $4,500 to Weatherford's foundation for the event.

"It seemed like a great way to connect football with helping out," St. Pierre said. "We knew Steve Weatherford does a lot to help kids and this was a great opportunity to join him. Our guys are excited to do this. They know it's their opportunity to help. They're very fortunate, and excited to give back. And who doesn't like electronics and toys?"

All Morris Catholic student athletes are required to perform community service, and head football coach Brendan Gebert was happy to take members of his team who did not participate in a winter sport to participate Monday.

"We closed the weight room down for a day and everyone jumped on board," Gebert said. "Whether it's reaching a high shelf to grab a toy or whatever they need, we're happy to brighten some days during Christmastime."

At the peak of holiday shopping an influx of 100 plus people to a store might be overwhelming, but while the aisles were a bit snug Monday evening, employees ensured the event went off without a hitch.

Knowing kids would flock to the toys and electronics section – which are located next to each other in the store –employees gave the Morris Catholic athletes a walkthrough, showing them where popular items are located and where they would take the kids to check out. For a few hours the Morris Catholic athletes were deputized as part time Target employees.

"The biggest thing for us is that we're able to make these kids' days," said Target executive team leader of operations Michael Oldham. "That they picked out store is great, we're excited to be a part of it, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to get in and out with their toys."

The East Orange kids were selected by the city's cultural affairs department and council members, who chose five underprivileged kids from each ward for the surprise holiday shopping sprees. The kids ranged in age from five to 12 years old.

"We are delighted that Steve Weatherford decided to bring the spirit of the season alive for some of our children here in East Orange," East Orange Mayor Lester E. Taylor III said.

Weatherford arrived at about 5:30 p.m., and jumped onto the bus of East Orange kids and parents to screams of excitement.

As he took the group inside, Weatherford already had ideas about what to shop for.

"I feel like we have to look at the 'Frozen' stuff," he said.

Weatherford is no stranger to helping others. Tuesday, the Giants nominated Weatherford as the team's representative for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his charitable work.

"This is unbelievable, it's my favorite event every year," Weatherford said as he pushed a cart with multiple kids hanging off it through the toy aisles. "To be able to motivate and inspire these kids, and to get to do some good by getting Christmas gifts is incredible."

In addition to a Super Bowl-caliber boot, Weatherford also showed off his accounting skills Monday, making sure the kids knew exactly what things cost and what they'd be able to afford with the gift cards.

"This is a really cool bike, but it's $80," Weatherford said to one kid. "I think it's great, I just want to make sure you want it even if you'd only be able to get a little thing after that."

With 50 East Orange kids to 10 football players, the team certainly had its hands full, but they got the job done.

Morris Catholic junior Sam Drake was searching with 10-year-old Devin Fussell for as many Pokemon items as they could find. After an extensive search, both were pleased to find some Pokemon cards.

"It's always good to go out and help people," Drake said. "It sounded like fun and I had the time to help out."

Morris Catholic sophomore Zack Sieb and 14-year-old Douglas Cherry were the first two to finish shopping, and they checked out with an impressive haul.

Cherry walked away with new a hooded sweatshirt, headphones, and an Xbox One video game. The pair had time to kill as the rest of the group continued to shop, so they stood in front of the TVs and watched "How to Train Your Dragon 2."

"For me it's more than giving these kids something tangible like a toy. It's really about being able to spend time with them and telling them that we care about them," he said. "But $100 in Target, man, that can go a long way."

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@dailyrecord.com