Canes score smiles with children

RALEIGH -- Anita Peebles said she was overwhelmed, that it was an emotional experience for her.

"It's a real blessing, a Christmas blessing," she said.

Peebles was trailing her daughter, O'Shaela, Tuesday as O'Shaela did some Christmas shopping with Carolina Hurricanes forward Erik Cole. The mother was careful to keep her distance as they moved up and down aisles at the Target in North Hills so as to not see all that her 12-year-old daughter was picking out with Cole's help.

"It's awesome the Hurricanes are able to do this and give these kids this opportunity," Anita Peebles said. "They are truly giving back to the community. It's wonderful."

Cole, forwards Stephane Yelle and Chad LaRose, and defenseman Aaron Ward all were paired with a child selected by the Durham Nativity School and StepUP Ministry of Raleigh. Each child received a $150 Target gift card from the Hurricanes to help buy gifts for their families, and the Hurricanes also picked up any extra charges.

And it wasn't just a run on toys and video games. Xavier Beckwith, 7, shopped with Yelle and had along his mother, LaToya O'Neal, younger sister Princess and little brother, Christopher. He picked out a sleeper gown for Princess and other clothes.

Fabian Munoz, 12, of Durham was shopping with Ward. He picked out a soccer ball and football but also wanted some chocolates for his mother and a new wallet for his dad.

"It's great to go around with a kid and have their eyes light up and have a good time," said LaRose, who was paired with Joshua Brown, 11. "I've been blessed with a good family growing up and always having Christmas around. To come here and even do the littlest thing to make them happy is a good feeling inside and brings home the holiday spirit."

While it was a nice shopping spree for all and the baskets were crammed to the point even Anita Peebles could see the new basketball O'Shaela wanted, the smiles on the faces of the kids provided their own Christmas warmth.

"It's the Christmas season, and it's a time you always feel fortunate," Ward said. "The spirit of the holidays is what needs to be remembered, and being here for people who may be a little less fortunate and giving them an opportunity to really enjoy themselves is special."