McCoy gives holiday surprise to deserving single parents

TAMPA (FOX 13) - He's known for being an intimidating force on the Buc's defense.

But off the field - pro-bowler Gerald McCoy and his family spread holiday cheer to 40 single-parent families in Tampa.

It's all part of the fifth annual McCoy Family Christmas at One Buc Place.

Malcolm Williams is doing his best to raise kids on his own. He knew the McCoy Family Christmas was going to be special for his family, but he didn’t realize just how special.

“I'm just thinking we're going to walk around the new facility,” Williams explained. “I didn't have a moment until he said, ‘Find a tree with your name on it.’”

The base of his family’s tree was stacked with presents.

Deidre Prescod said her family’s tree took her back to her childhood.

"I felt like I was six years old again," she said. "Just watching her get her gifts, I felt like I got gifts too."

Prescod’s daughter got many gifts - but was most excited about the gift of reading as she opened book after book, squealing at each one.

"It feels really great to know that there's people out there that know that us single parents out there could use help, especially at Christmas. I try to make sure they have stuff year round, but Christmas time sometimes gets a little foggy," Prescod said.

Gerald McCoy’s mission is simple – make Christmas joyous for those who work the hardest for their kids.

"So many parents and guardians and teachers, they work year around to see their kids smile. People say this is the most wonderful time of the year," McCoy said. "And we just want to make sure they're still smiling or can smile around Christmas time."

For the Williams family, this will be a Christmas never forgotten.

"We'll probably talk about it all they up and through Christmas, telling everybody about what happened. We're just very thankful for it," Williams said.