JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In what is turning into a bigger and better annual event, Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns and his 88 Blessings Foundation hosted their Back to School Bash on Saturday afternoon.
Local children in need received a backpack filled with school supplies ranging from pencils and paper to calculators and rulers. They also got an opportunity to meet Hurns and some of his Jaguars teammates, something Hurns says is not only a highlight for the kids but for him as well.
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"It seems the one thing that the kids are hyped on is just meeting us," said Hurns. "Me, Marqise Lee, A-Rob (Allen Robinson) and Shane Wynn, that makes our day. Just saying hello to someone and having that brighten up their day, bring a smile to their face, it only takes 10 seconds. It means a lot to us to have them come out to see us so to give a kid a hug to make their day, it is worth it."
Part of 88 Blessings' mission is to help all children reach their potential. With the help of several dozen local businesses, over 400 families will be reached with Saturday's give away. It is something that is not lost on Hurns, who says that he was one of those families in need growing up in Miami.
"Growing up as a child, I always looked forward to these things. I always said I want to be in a position to give back, so being in this position any chance I get to give back to this community, I am going to do it."
A big part of 88 Blessings and Hurns' life is his mother Erica Wilson. She is the founder and CEO of the foundation and has instilled the same things that 88 Blessings stands for in Allen himself.
"She pushes me," Hurns said. "At times I tend to get selfish trying to focus in on football. She's here to give me the bigger picture of life like giving back to the community and helping the kids that are next up. So, I am really thankful for her and having her in my life."