Students at Mayfair Elementary got a heartwarming surprise this week when NFL Free Agent, Troy Bitterle, made an appearance and presented them with holiday gifts. Bitterle, a wide receiver out of Notre Dame College, decided to adopt the 5th grade classroom as part of his annual holiday charitable give-back to the community.
“It means a lot to me to be able to give back to my community, “ Bitterle stated. “It’s especially meaningful when I can come into the classroom and meet these kids and encourage them at such an impressionable age. I wanted to let them know that people were thinking about them and that they matter.”
Troy partnered up with the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center to help him identify children in the community who might benefit from a little extra holiday cheer this year. The East Cleveland Neighborhood Center is an organization that envisions all children growing up to be successful adults who are engaged in their community and possessing the tools to advocate for themselves and those in need. ECNC was able to match Troy up with Mayfair Elementary School and the 5th grade classroom of 30 students was a perfect fit.
Troy’s event included a variety of great holiday gifts for the children, thanks to his amazing sponsors who donated items to complete the gift bags. Each child received a gift bag that included Pocket Shot Mini slingshots, Sky Rocket minis, and Slam Bam Minis Monsta Balls donated from Monkey Business Sports, Poobah-The Conversation Game donated from Brent, Brad, & Ryan Rockwood of Poobah, and pre-boxed gifts from GO-TAB Luxury Event Childcare that included gloves, socks, and crafts.