HOWARD (WLUK) — A group of Green Bay Packers players traded their football pads for shopping carts Tuesday for a holiday event with local youth.

Four players joined children from the Pals Program to celebrate the holiday season with a special shopping spree. Meijer in Howard hosted the event and provided the kids with Meijer gift cards to help pay for their purchases.

Taking part was linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, wide receiver Malik Heath, running back Ellis Merriweather and safety Omar Brown.

“Just hanging out, making some new friends. It’s Christmas time — just trying to give back to the community,” McDuffie said. “I grew up in Buffalo, so I’d always see Bills players going out in the community and doing stuff and running into them. I just feel like it’s important to see people who have a platform give back to the community.”

McDuffie added that he hoped to assist the kids in “pick[ing] up some good gifts” and connect with them personally, along the way.

“At the end of the day, I’m here for them, so whatever they need, I’m just here to support them,” he said.

Also on Tuesday night, Packers quarterback Jordan Love and several of his teammates hosted eight youngsters for a surprise shopping spree at Dick’s Sporting Goods.