Detroit, MI and Ocala, FL (December 19, 2012) – Gearing up for the 2012 Christmas season, last week nearly 100 children and their family members experienced the generosity of the Lions newest cornerback, #31, Drayton Florence in both his NFL city of Detroit and his hometown of Ocala, FL.
On Friday, thirty-one (31) children, along with their family members, from the Lillian Bryant Community Center in Florence’s hometown of Ocala, FL experienced a holiday to remember by spending the evening with Drayton’s wife, Tiffany and members of the foundation. Everyone had the opportunity to make homemmade Christmas ornaments and we topped off the night by having a private pizza party for the kids and their family members, complete with Santa, some elves, Christmas music and even a visit from the Grinch!
Then just last night, 31 homeless children from Cass Community Social Services (CCSS), a child and family service organization that works across the city of Detroit in areas of concentrated poverty providing programs for food, health, housing and jobs, were treated to a holiday shopping spree courtesy of Florence, the Drayton Florence Foundation and WalMart (Taylor, MI). 11 NFL players participated, making it a night these kids will never forget.
For each of the past nine years, the Drayton Florence Foundation has provided Christmas for children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to celebrate the holiday season with gifts. This year, the foundation adopted children in both Florence’s hometown of Ocala and his NFL city of Detroit.
“I am so blessed each year to have the opportunity to provide Christmas for some well deserving kids who otherwise may not celebrate with gifts this holiday season. This is truly one of my favorite things to do each year”, said Florence.
Florence established the Drayton Florence Foundation in 2005 to educate, motivate and stimulate youth, empowering them for a lifetime of success. Programs include technology labs at local community centers, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gift giveaways for families in need and community outreach to schools and non-profit organizations in his hometown of Ocala and his NFL home of Detroit, MI.