Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

So I glanced at the front page of the Sun Times Monday morning to see a cover story about Lance Briggs' baby's mama talking about how he's not living up to his responsibilities as a father. Something about an "open pants policy toward parenting." Ouch.

Despite the obvious salacious nature of the story, I was taken aback because I covered a story exactly a week before involving Briggs and 50 deserving kids who were treated to a shopping spree at Target. I knew I'd be posting the story this week for NudeHippo.tv, and the irony would be -- well, I guess you can just insert your own joke here.

---

Slideshow: Lance Briggs Helps Host Shopping Spree

---

So anyway, the kids were selected for the shopping spree based on their grades, good citizenship, school attendance or merits received from Corps assistance and/or attendance. Ruben Brown is also a part of this project, but wasn't present that night. His participation is an even better story, because Brown grew up poor and benefited from Salvation Army as a kid.

No matter what you think of pro athletes and their behavior in their private lives -- and whether it's even any of our business anyway -- they do have the ability to bring attention to causes that may otherwise be neglected. Let's face it, if the shopping spree had taken place but no Chicago Bears players were supposed to be there, would as many media members have showed up? Probably not. So as you're busy spending way too much money on presents and gorging yourself with food this season, take a second to think about those who don't have the luxury of taking those things for granted. Happy Holidays!