Titans spread Christmas joy to DCS kids at Baptist Sports Park

! The Titans welcomed guests from the Tennessee Dept. of Children's Services Friday at Baptist Sports Park.

NASHVILLE, TN, Dec. 18, 2008 — The Tennessee Titans on Friday held a special Christmas Party for children from the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, who are in the guardianship of the state. It marked the eighth consecutive year the Titans hosted the event for DCS children and provided them with an unforgettable afternoon and long lasting memories.

The children, ranging in ages from eight to 16 years old, enjoyed a meet and greet with Titans players, coaches, staff and members of the Titans cheerleading squad. They met with Titans players after practice at Baptist Sports Park and each received a Titans goodie bag full of merchandise to get autographs from their favorite players. The children then enjoyed a pizza party in addition to receiving individual gift cards that each child could use at local malls.

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! WR Justin Gage and his teammates spent time interacting with children from the DCS on Friday.

Titans owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. is a big supporter of this annual event.

"The overwhelming sentiment from Titans players, coaches and staff for this event is that this is an incredible way to touch the lives of some very special children during this holiday season," Adams said.

After practice, Vince Young was one of many players posing for photos, signing autographs and having fun with the kids.

"It means a lot. Some people aren't fortunate to have the type of Christmas they want, so for me to have the opportunity to do whatever I can to bless them with a smile on their face, that's the type of person I am. I love doing things like that," Young said. "Just seeing the smile on their faces makes my heart even bigger. The children are the next generation and they need that love and support."

Young's teammates shared his sentiment.

! Vince Young and Quinton Ganther (35) pose for a photo.

"Just to see the expressions on their faces made it all worth the while," cornerback Cortland Finnegan said. "Hopefully they had a fun time and can take away some lasting memories with them."

"It's a small thing to give back to the kids. It's not costing us anything but our time," safety Chris Hope said. "Buying them something doesn't mean as much as sitting down with them and sharing some of the wisdom you have with them. Any way you can give back is always a blessing."

Added running back LenDale White: "I'm happy to see all of these kids out here. I don't feel like we're doing our job unless we're giving back to the kids," he said. "I remember when I was a kid, I always wanted to meet Deion Sanders and John Elway, and when that time came, I was in awe because I always wanted to be like them. It makes a lasting impression on your life."

! This guest was all smiles with OT Daniel Loper.

The event represented the largest group of children the team has hosted, due in large part to the overwhelming generosity of the Titans players. The afternoon focused on sharing special moments with the children in hopes of leaving a lasting and positive impression for years to come.

"I really think this is wonderful," said linebacker David Thornton. "Coach Fisher has opened up the doors to practice today. We have some young visitors here getting some autographs and playing games, and really fellowshipping with the Tennessee Titans. It's a wonderful event. We have so many great role models in our organization, I'm just glad I could be a little small part of it today."

There are more than 850 children in the guardianship of the State of Tennessee that reside in foster homes, group homes or other residential settings. They are waiting for families to offer them a permanent home. Most children range from early school age to teenage years, while some have one or more siblings and are waiting for an adoptive family.

! This LenDale White fan got to meet his favorite Titan.

"It's exciting for them because this is part of their celebration for Christmas. Being able to spend it with a real, live professional football player is a great experience for them," said Carla Aaron, Executive Director of Child Safety for the Tennessee Department of Children Services. "Many of these kids are Titans fans, so to actually get autographs and meet people that they look up to and watch on TV every Sunday is really exciting for them. Getting some specialized attention from an NFL player goes along way with many of these kids who are really dying for attention and affection. This is just a wonderful activity for them."