Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, former Pitt player, hosts toy drive in McKees Rocks
Rayhonna Russell watched as her 2-year-old daughter Marlei looked through all the toys.
The little girl in the bright pink coat ran from one to another to another, picking one up, pointing to another, smiling and giggling.
She was one of many children who came to Kelly and Nina’s Daycare Center in McKees Rocks on Wednesday evening to pick a Christmas present. The steps at the entrance overflowed with dolls, and scooters and balls, basketball hoops and trucks.
“This is really, really nice,” said Russell, of McKees Rocks. “She is like a kid in a candy store. It is very overwhelming. There are too many options.”
My 2nd Annual @chasingMs_ Toy Drive Is TONIGHT. Hosted @ The Best Daycare In Pittsburgh!???????? Bring Your Kids And Receive A Gift! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/Nlya59AkXB
— ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? (@HamlinIsland) December 22, 2021
After about 40 minutes, Marlei settled on a bright ball and a car carrier. The more than 500 toys were free to children in the McKees Rocks area through “Chasing M’s” Toy Drive. “Chasing M’s” is the clothing and lifestyle brand of Buffalo Bills and former University of Pittsburgh safety Damar Hamlin. He grew up in McKees Rocks.
He wasn’t able to attend because of the NFL’s covid-19 protocol. Hamlin said via text that it’s been a goal to find ways to give back.
“I feel like it’s a duty of mine,” said Hamlin who shared the event via social media. “I watched my dad do it in many different ways growing up and I watched how everyone viewed him. I always wanted to bring my people that same feeling. It inspired me growing up. This is the main reason why I wanted to make it to the NFL, to take care of my people.”
Hamlin’s father Mario Hamlin said his son really wanted be there for the kids. He understands the importance of helping the community.
They toy giveaway was held at a day care co-owned by Damar Hamlin’s mother Nina.
This was the second year of the event. There was a two-hour window for people to stop by.
Damar Hamlin wanted to show the youngsters that good things can happen to them if they work hard, his dad said.
Every family received a ticket for a chance to win a boy’s or a girl’s bike.
There are a lot of good things that happen in McKees Rocks, Mario Hamlin said. His son started playing football when he was 5.
“It’s important to stay positive at all times and don’t fall into trouble,” said Mario Hamlin.
He said that it took many people to make the toy drive happen, including his wife and their son as well as athletic management group Agency 1 Sports and Jaster Creative, an agency that helps athletes amplify their brand.
They plan a larger giveaway next year.
“When you see the looks on the kids’ faces that is what makes it all worthwhile,” Mario Hamlin said. “That’s the magic of Christmas. Just look at her.”
He was referring to 2-year-old Marlei as she walked out of the building holding her mother’s hand and her gifts.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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