METAIRIE, La. -- Several New Orleans Saints players kicked off the holiday week with some charitable events throughout the community Monday.
Running back Mark Ingram hosted his annual shopping spree for children with incarcerated parents -- an issue close to him since his father, former NFL standout Mark Ingram Sr., was in jail for money laundering and bank fraud during part of Ingram's college and pro career.
This year, Saints punter Thomas Morstead teamed up with Ingram, which increased the total from 20 kids to 36 at the shopping spree held at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Several of their teammates also joined in, including receivers Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas, tight end Coby Fleener, offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Senio Kelemete, running backs Travaris Cadet and Marcus Murphy, long snapper Justin Drescher and safeties Roman Harper and Vonn Bell.
Extremely grateful the Lord has allowed me to be a blessing to others!! Thank you everyone for support and time making a great night! 🙏🏿🙌🏾 https://t.co/Wvz5n1awjv
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) December 20, 2016
Thank you T-Mo for helping bless 16 extra children with the opportunity to enjoy happiness these holidays! Blessings!! #WhatYouGiveWillGrow https://t.co/y0380tDwlq
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) December 20, 2016
Thanks to @Academy for hosting @MarkIngram22's shopping spree! #Saints pic.twitter.com/TqB6YaiWjh
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 20, 2016
Harper, Bell, Fleener, defensive linemen Cameron Jordan, Nick Fairley, Kasim Edebali, David Onyemata, Ashaad Mabry and Obum Gwacham, linebacker Craig Robertson and offensive linemen Tony Hills and John Fullington were also among those who joined Saints defensive end Darryl Tapp in taking women from the New Orleans Family Justice Center on a holiday shopping spree.
And Jordan hosted his annual Copeland's NOLA Kids Club camp..@dtapp55 & wife Tiffany teamed up with @NOLAfjc to send 13 women on a $450 dollar Christmas shopping spree with the help of several players pic.twitter.com/In4j6oQLKK
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 20, 2016
.@camjordan94 hosting his annual @CopelandsNOLA Kid's Club Camp! #Saints pic.twitter.com/CqfIYja0pj
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 20, 2016
The Saints (6-8) will be back on the practice field Tuesday, with a short week to prepare for Saturday's Christmas Eve home date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6).
