CLEVELAND, Ohio — The party is the culmination of the annual Cavs and Monsters Toy Drive, which is part of the annual Cavaliers season of giving.
- Players John Henson and Alfonzo McKinnie hosted more than 15 families from the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services, which sponsors an "Adopt-a-Family” program
- It’s a private holiday party, which included games, food, pictures, and gifts
- Additional gifts and toys that were collected during home games, will be donated to local non-profit organizations that serve children
“Hopefully take their minds off of things for the holidays... and hopefully help them as well,” said John Henson, Cleveland Cavaliers player.
Henson, who has been with the Cavaliers for two seasons, says he feels like it’s his responsibility to give back to the community that has welcomed him with open arms.
“We’re so blessed and so fortunate, it’s up to us to give back and help the community, and put a smile on people’s faces,” said Henson.
It wasn’t only the kids who were smiling.
Michelle Williams says events like this one make the holiday season brighter and a lot easier.
“I thought it was real nice of them to invite us here for this event,” said Williams, of Cleveland.
Each family received gifts under their own individual holiday tree.
"He got UNO, he got a dog, his ABCs and we got gift cards, a blanket,” said Williams.
“I remember I was so young, and I got a bike, and it’s something that was so simple, but it stuck with me for the rest of my life, and hopefully we can kind of instill these memories in these kids and they’ll remember this for the rest of their lives,” said Henson.
Additional gifts and toys that were collected at recent home games, will be donated to local non-profit organizations that serve children.