By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

PHOTO ALBUM - Toys for Tots Drive
PHOTO ALBUM - Children's Hospital Toy Drive

The Christmas spirit was alive this week as several Steelers players hosted toy drives.

Quarterback Charlie Batch helped to collect for Toys for Tots at the Waterfront in Homestead. Batch was joined by some of his teammates, who signed autographs in return for the donations.

“When you are put in a position to be able to help out you want to do your part, especially around the holiday season,” said Batch. “We had a couple of my teammates come down to support the event. Everybody understands the cause it’s going towards.”

The event got a huge turnout with toys donated ranging from footballs to a new bike for one lucky child.

Linebackers Clark Haggans and LaMarr Woodley teamed with FedEx Ground to host the sixth annual Pittsburgh Celebrity Toy Drive benefitting Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at the Mall at Robinson.

“It’s the holidays and I know we are fortunate enough to be blesses with so much,” said Haggans. “I can come to the mall and get my kids toys for Christmas and I know everybody can’t do that. Any time the community can give back so everybody can have the happiest day possible that’s the greatest gift anybody can give.

The players also signed autographs for those who made a toy donation, with the toys being given to the hospital’s Child Life Department, which provides support and assistance to children and their families who are adjusting to illness or hospitalization.

“It’s always important giving back to people,” said Woodley. “It’s great for the fans too to have the opportunity to come and meet some of the players while helping out.

“I definitely like to do stuff for kids who are in an unfortunate situation.”