Chris Paul 'Blessed' to Give Back During Holiday Season
Chris Paul, 27-year-old Los Angeles Clippers' guard, recently surprised kids at a Los Angeles, Calif., elementary school and called the experience a blessing from God.
Paul, an All-Star NBA player who just won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, surprised children at La Salle Elementary School Thursday where he gave out gifts to the children at the after-school program. For Paul, a Baptist Christian, having the opportunity to give back to children is a blessing during the holiday season.
"From day one when I got to the NBA and realized I was so blessed that God gave me the opportunity to give back and help others," Paul said in a Whittier Daily News report. "And I've always strived to do that."
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Paul, who was traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Clippers last year, explained that he and his older brother were both products of after-school programs like the one to which he donated his time and gifts.
"For us, it's sort of where we were molded," Paul said in the Whittier Daily News. "It's where we learned values and did homework and arts and crafts."
While the guard said the kids are always appreciative of his efforts, he admitted to having fun while giving back.
"A lot of times these kids get excited but it's even more fun for me," Paul said. "One of the kids was walking with a book bag on and basketball shorts and shoes and I told my wife 'I remember when that was me."'
Paul has always been vocal about his Christian faith and even revealed a prayer that he says before games in a Los Angeles Times report last year.
"I say a prayer – and I've never told anyone this before – but this is how it goes: I begin by thanking God for bringing our team here safely; their team as well," Paul revealed. "And I tell God, 'I know you know already who the winner is, but I ask that you will let it be us.'"
