CINCINNATI — One-hundred area kids got the surprise of a lifetime, walking into a winter wonderland full of cold weather essentials and toys. It was all thanks to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati and Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

“I just remember opening up presents around this time and getting a system when I finally started playing games. That was a big Christmas for me. I just want to do the same for these kids,” Chase said.  

Coats, hats, Bengals gear, toys and, of course, a photo with Chase was what kids at the Dudley S. Taft Boys & Girls Club walked away with at the Spreading Cheer with Chase event on Tuesday afternoon.  

Club members like Sakina Wright wasted no time diving into all the goodies. 

“This whole event really shows how serious they are about giving back to kids,” Wright said. 

Supporting local kids is what Boys & Girls Club officials said is at the heart of what they do, not just during the giving season, but year round. 

 “We’re open to anyone. We do place ourselves very strategically in areas of the community where there is the greatest need, just to eliminate that barrier of transportation and to bring in as many kids from the community as possible,” Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati Vice President of Operations Emily Yellman said. 

Wright is an 11th grader and is a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club. She said Chase and the staff have inspired her to go out into the world and make a difference. 

“I want to do the same thing they do, and hopefully, that I can learn from them by staying here and volunteering,” Wright said. 

Items from the shopping spree were donated by Integrity Express Logistics.

You can join or find ways to support your local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club of America here.