Lucio: Christmas Wishes Come True

[duncan228]

Christmas wishes come true (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Christmas_wishes_come_true.html)
By Valentino Lucio - Express-News

Although San Antonio Spurs rookie guard George Hill is new to the team and the city, it did not take him long to make his presence felt on and off the court.

Knowing that the Spurs organization gets involved in the community during the holidays, Hill came up with the idea to grant early Christmas wishes for three lucky teenagers by giving each a $500 shopping spree to Best Buy.

The three siblings, Daniel, Genesis and Psalms, who are currently in foster care, were selected to meet Hill on Saturday night at the Best Buy store at the Legacy Shopping Center, where he presented each of them with the gift cards. With wide eyes and jubilant smiles each excited teen shook the professional basketball player’s hand and thanked him before they ran wild though the store.

“It’s always great to give back to the community,” said Hill, 22. “It’s all about putting a smile on the kid’s faces.”

Brothers Daniel, 14, and Genesis, 17, darted directly to the video game section, while their sister Psalms went straight to the cameras.

“This is a really great group of kids and they deserve it,” said Rebeca Quiñones, who has been the children’s caseworker for two years. “The kids behave great and they do great in school. We’re in really hard times right now, so it’s great that George Hill and the Spurs are doing this.”

With the entire store at their disposal and a personal assistant to escort them, the brothers perused the aisles. But their sister expedited the shopping experience. The aspiring photographer filled up her shopping bag in a matter of minutes with a camera, iPod and accessories.

“I am so thankful,” said Psalms, 15.

The shopping spree wasn’t all business. The teens and Hill each took turns playing video games as he gave them encouraging sentiments.

“I came from a rough background,” said Hill, who is from Indiana. “I didn’t have many people to look up to, so I want to make them happy.”

After an hour of shopping, the content youths finally purchased their gifts. Genesis got a PSP and a gift for his mom. Daniel purchased a PlayStation, video games and some DVDs.

“I want to thank George Hill for doing this,” said Genesis. “I’m so happy. He made my dreams come true.”

[tp2021]

That's a gift anybody would love. Good job Georgie. :tu

[K-State Spur]

Yeah...he's a Spur.

[ClingingMars]

Yeah...he's a Spur.

[TDMVPDPOY]

hey is hill going to give back to the international community? :D:D:D:D

spurs material right there....

[SpursFanFirst]

I am continually impressed with George Hill.

I know some people will read this story and think, "oh. that's nice...." and it is.

But, as someone who spent 7 years in a SA children's home, I can tell you that I've seen first hand the impact these acts of kindness can have on someone less fortunate - especially when someone takes time out to spend it with those in need.

He could have easily had his agent send three $500 gift cards to these kids with well wishes, but instead, he spent some quality time with them. I know it can be hard to imagine, but, that, in itself, is worth more than any monetary gift.

I hope he will always feel thankful for the talents and opportunities he's been given; and I hope he will continue to give back in such meaningful ways.

The Spurs found a real gem in him - on and off the court.

Keep up the good work, George! :toast

Thanks for posting this, Duncan228.

[homer]

I am continually impressed with George Hill.

I know some people will read this story and think, "oh. that's nice...." and it is.

But, as someone who spent 7 years in a SA children's home, I can tell you that I've seen first hand the impact these acts of kindness can have on someone less fortunate - especially when someone takes time out to spend it with those in need.

He could have easily had his agent send three $500 gift cards to these kids with well wishes, but instead, he spent some quality time with them. I know it can be hard to imagine, but, that, in itself, is worth more than any monetary gift.

I hope he will always feel thankful for the talents and opportunities he's been given; and I hope he will continue to give back in such meaningful ways.

The Spurs found a real gem in him - on and off the court.

Keep up the good work, George! :toast

Thanks for posting this, Duncan228.

:toast very cool............... and great names for the kids

[Manufan909]

Awesome, Hill really is a great guy. Hope Pop makes sure him(and Mason, of course) stay on the Spurs past the summer of 2010.

[Manu-of-steel]

thanks for posting this. george hill is just like all other spurs players-giving back something to the community.

[raspsa]

I hope success doesn't change him. I remember reading about his amazement upon receiving his first paycheck in the Spurs lockerroom. There will be much bigger paychecks in the future if he continues to work hard and there will be more opportunities to help greater numbers of people... but I'm sure the memory of these first 3 kids will be very special. More power to you George.:toast

[SenorSpur]

:tu :tu to George for making an impact in the community, in such a short amount of time.

[wildbill2u]

Yeah...he's a Spur.

Spurs have always found that character enhances talent.

When it comes to tough spots in regular season games or the playoffs, the prima donnas worry about their stats or how they'll look in the paper after the loss, the guys with character dig deep to win the game.

[duncan228]

There's an 8 pic slideshow added to the column.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/George_Hill_of_the_Spurs_treats_foster_kids_to_a_s hopping_spree.html

[Phenomanul]

Hill gets it. That's what makes him Spurs material.

[dougp]

I think it's awesome that one of the kid's spent a portion of his card on his mom - goes to show that Hill rubbed off on them.

[MarHill]

I am continually impressed with George Hill.

I know some people will read this story and think, "oh. that's nice...." and it is.

But, as someone who spent 7 years in a SA children's home, I can tell you that I've seen first hand the impact these acts of kindness can have on someone less fortunate - especially when someone takes time out to spend it with those in need.

He could have easily had his agent send three $500 gift cards to these kids with well wishes, but instead, he spent some quality time with them. I know it can be hard to imagine, but, that, in itself, is worth more than any monetary gift.

I hope he will always feel thankful for the talents and opportunities he's been given; and I hope he will continue to give back in such meaningful ways.

The Spurs found a real gem in him - on and off the court.

Keep up the good work, George! :toast

Thanks for posting this, Duncan228.


Great post!!! :flag: