Vikings players, coaches offer Christmas blessings
Minnesota Vikings players and coaches last weekend offered Christmas blessings not only to people served by The Salvation Army, but those who work for the organization as well.
It began Saturday, when Vikings kicker Blair Walsh gave Christmas gifts to a Hispanic single mother named Lilia and her three young children. He purchased the gifts himself the day before, then gave them away after the Vikings’ practice at Winter Park (see photos).
“I went overboard a little, but it was a good thing to go overboard on,” said Walsh, who bought hundreds of dollars worth of toys, baby supplies, and more.
Lilia, speaking through an interpreter, said it was great to get toys for her children, and even better to receive practical baby items, including a stroller, crib, high chair, and diapers.
“This is a great blessing,” she said. “I received more than I ever could have asked for.”
Walsh spent time with the family long after practice ended, happy to have made a difference in their lives.
“This is awesome,” he said. “I’m blessed to be in this situation playing in this league, to earn a good living. Any time I can find an opportunity to give back to families in need, it means the world to me. The Salvation Army is such a great cause.”
The blessings continued Sunday, when longtime Salvation Army employee and hardcore Vikings fan Nancy Massich (pictured below) got to spend an hour on the sidelines of TCF Bank Stadium before the Vikings’ home game against the Chicago Bears. She was invited there by Vikings offensive line coach Jeff Davidson.
“He told me how much the Vikings like The Salvation Army,” said Massich, who’s been a case manager at The Salvation Army in Hibbing, Minn. for decades.
She added, chuckling: “I told (Davidson) I skipped church to be here. He pointed to heaven and said, “I think He’ll understand.’”
Nancy had not previously attended a regular season game.
“It was the most ultimate experience,” said Massich, whose favorite Vikings player, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, scored two touchdowns during the game. “The dream of a lifetime. I’m still on cloud nine. What a blessing.”
Thank you for supporting The Salvation Army this Christmas. There is still time to donate or bell ring before the season ends.
There is also time to take advantage of donations being doubled in select cities across Minnesota and North Dakota.