Roy Lopez has walked up and down the aisles at the Walmart in Chandler plenty of times. He knows where to find the electronics or the sporting equipment and other things.
But when he walked those aisles on Tuesday, it was very different for the Arizona native. In partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union, the Cardinals defensive lineman was one of 10 players to attend the "Shop With A Jock" event.
"It's cool getting to share stories with people you can relate to," Lopez said. "It's such a small world, especially when we're in this one Valley."
The annual event hosted 30 underprivileged kids from Chicanos Por La Causa and provided each with a $500 gift card to get anything they'd like. Many items were thrown into the carts as defensive lineman like Naquan Jones were pushing the new toys through the store. From gaming consoles and bikes to kicker Chad Ryland's kid wanting Slim Jims, the item choices were all over the place.
Even a few parents shared they had kept their kids in the dark, not telling them that they were preparing for a holiday shopping haul with their favorite NFL players.
"We really believe in giving back to the community," said Jeff Meshey, president and CEO of Desert Financial Credit Union, adding this annual event is his favorite of the year. "It's just great to see the kids. They get so excited and it's like Christmas coming early."
The day brought back some fond holiday memories for all in attendance. Cornerback Kei'Trel Clark said that his favorite gift was a PlayStation 4, while "T", who spent the day with Clark, shared a story that featured his grandfather surprising him with Nike Kobe Bryant Reverse Grinch sneakers.
"It's exciting that I got to buy all of this stuff," Samuel, one of the attendees said. "I never got to meet a Cardinals player before, so it's pretty cool."
Samuel spent time with outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck. He bought a toothbrush, which thrilled Gardeck since his wife is a dental hygienist.
Continuing to recover from his torn ACL, Gardeck moved around the store on a motorized cart. While rehab can be painful, Tuesday's event was exactly what the linebacker and the families needed as the holidays begin.
"I think it's important to give back in general, but then being hurt and trying to figure out how to navigate that path, the spirit of gratitude is so healing and so inspiring," Gardeck said. "It's very uplifting and keeping me going."
