Panthers DE Charles Johnson funds $30,000 holiday shopping spree for 10 families

Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson gave 10 families a Christmas shopping spree at a West Charlotte Walmart on Monday totaling nearly $30,000.

Johnson, who has been doing more charitable efforts since earning his second contract worth $76 million in 2011, gave each child $800 to spend on themselves or family members on Monday. Teammates Roman Harper, Charles Tillman, Fernando Velasco and Kawann Short helped the families shop for the gifts.

“I didn’t feel compelled. I just wanted to do it,” Johnson said. “It was something I wanted to do. The Panthers helped me put it together so I just did.”

Velasco has known Johnson since the two were teammates at the University of Georgia. Velasco’s wife helped find the families in need by partnering with Charlotte’s Abandon Project, an organization that teaches fatherless children how to love, forgive and dream.

“The best part about it, the kids were so grateful,” Velasco said. “This one kid came up to me and said I’ve never had anything like this happen to me. I immediately told Charles and shared his story with Charles. That’s what it’s all about.

“All those kids come from tough times. I know conversations me and Charles had dating back to our times in college that once we were in position to do anything as far as helping others, we’d do it. He’s definitely a man of his word.”

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Panthers DE Charles Johnson funds $30,000 holiday shopping spree for 10 families."