TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — For the past 12 years former North Florida Christian, Florida State, and NFL standout Ernie Sims has given back to his hometown by holding a camp.
Ernie Sims has given back to hundreds of kids every year at his annual Charity Weekend. This year, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, his yearly camp just wasn't possible.
"It took some time," said Alice Sims. "It took some thinking, some planning and some organizing."
Some thinking and planning led to a stay at home fitness challenge.
"He told the board, 'we have to do something! We just can't do anything for our 13th year," Alice Sims said.
So they took the camp virtual.
"Why don't we still do these shirts, still do all the care packages we normally do and give it out to them," said Alice Sims. "We as board members delivered the packages."
It was a chance for Tallahassee kids to stay fit while staying safe.
"The kids would still be able to get outside, they've been stuck inside for all these months," Alice Sims said. "Be active, and get out and move and exercise!"
One-hundred-fifty kids selected to participate, a chance for unity even when apart.
"To see the faces and the eyes of those kids when they got those bags and they were putting the backpacks on, and everything," said Alice Sims. "The families were so receptive. They were like thank you so much for thinking of us and considering us. To see people say we appreciate you thinking about us and we look forward to doing this."
Something Ernie will continue to do, whatever it takes.
Ernie's Big Hits Foundation gives back all year to kids in the Big Bend through mentorship programs and scholarships.
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