DAPHNE — Kenny King Charities hosted its 10th-annual Christmas Shop-A-Thon at the Daphne Target where 26 elementary and middle school students received a free shopping spree with their favorite Trojan football player.

King, head football coach of the Daphne Trojans and NFL veteran, created the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2003 to assist young members of his community avoid the struggles he encountered at their age.

“I am proud to state that KKC supplies youth social enhancement series, athletic opportunities (football, cheerleading, and track), a health and nutrition initiative, Tackling Reading program, ACT Prep Courses, and many other programs and scholarships for male and female 1st-12th graders throughout the communities of Baldwin County, Alabama and Maricopa County, Arizona,” King said.

Thanks to the assistance from Target representatives Jason Downing (Manager) and Dawn Haynes (Human Resources), all 26 students had some of their Christmas wishes granted. To keep the spirit flowing, Tracie Brown from the Ruff Wilson Organization also led Christmas carols.

“I am honored again this year to be able to bless the youth in our community by showing them the true meaning of the Christmas spirit and that giving back to them is the true reward,” King said. “We would have not been able to supply them with smiles and gifts without our generous sponsors; What’s Cluckin’ restaurant, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Wells, the Stan McCain family, the Chris Richmond family, the Raymond Sullivan family, Qshequilla Mitchell, Kenny King Charities, and Target, Inc.

“I would also like to extend a special thanks to Manager Jason Downing,” King continued, “Target HR Director Dawn Haynes and the entire Daphne Target staff, our Daphne Trojans football players, Ruff Wilson Center Director Tracie Brown, and all of our Daphne feeder pattern Principals (Mrs. Dana Bottoms, Mrs. Laura Herron, Mr. Mark Doherty, Mr. Jonathan Ellis, and Mr. Kerry Edwards), staff, Counselor Alicia Ray, and Mrs. Pettibone. Together, we were able to be a blessing to these kids, put smiles on their faces, show them the true meaning of being a Daphne Trojan and bless them with a Christmas they will remember.”