‘Bless a lot of families’: Texans’ Jimmie Ward partners with H-Town Holiday Heroes second annual holiday drive

HOUSTON – Texans safety and team captain Jimmie Ward spread some holiday cheer Saturday, partnering with H-Town Holiday Heroes for their second annual holiday drive in Houston.

Ward helped handed out gifts to children and took photos with fans at an event that included games, prizes, and Houston Councilman Edward Pollard, Santa Claus, influencer J Mulan, celebrity stylist and fashion designer Rich God, Patrick Hill of All-Hill Entertainment, Houston Random Acts of Kindness, and more.

It was a collaborative effort between Mulan, Rich God, Money Man, Vic Madu, Carlos “Lace” Diaz, Steve Rogers of Almeda Hospitality Group, and Houston Random Acts of Kindness. The group comes together to buy shoes and clothes from City Gear Store. Five-hundred kids benefited from the event and the group’s contributions.

“It feels great, came out here and had a lot of fun,” said Ward, who was cleared under the NFL concussion protocol and has no injury designation, setting up his return Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. “Got to see a lot of kids smile, bless a lot of families out there. I definitely appreciate the invite from J Mulan and being out here with Rich God. I feel like everyone showed up and showed out.”

Mulan was thrilled that Ward was able to take time out of his schedule before Saturday meetings to attend.

“It means everything,” Mulan said. “I think it’s really important when you have a platform to utilize it to make change and it’s only going to get bigger and bigger. He has practice in a minute. I appreciate his humility for being here and he knew it was important to make sure these kids have presents under their trees and relieve some stress for these parents.”

Pollard, a Democrat representing District J, is a lawyer and Harvard Business School graduate and a former Morehouse and professional basketball player.

“It’s great to see the community come out, God blesses us and we can bless others,” Pollard said. “That’s what matters most. I want to give a huge shoutout to everyone who played a role: Jimmy, J Mulan, this is a collective effort and collaboration from a lot of people to make sure the kids have a smile on their face.”

Added Rich God: “We’re just excited. We continue this momentum. We appreciate everybody and we want everybody to come out and enjoy themselves.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.