Though Brian Westbrook has been absent from the field the last month, his presence in the community has impacted the lives of those in need.

After donating turkeys and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving, Westbrook turned his attention to some of Philadelphia's neediest children.

On Monday night, Westbrook personally distributed toys during a holiday celebration at the Star Harbor Senior Center. The children on hand, which included at-risk youth, are served by Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and Families Are Victims Too. The kids decorated their own cupcakes and enjoyed pizza from Papa Johns.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity to give," Westbrook said. "It means so much to see these kids and their happy faces."

Westbrook declined to talk about football. Instead, he was focused on helping the kids and their families enjoy the holidays.

Westbrook helped children choose a gift both for themselves as well as a loved one.

"It means a lot for them, but it means an awful lot for me as well," Westbrook said. "We all know that the kids are our future. If they don't have the support of the people that are able, they're not going to go anywhere.

"There's a lot of people out there helping families and children that are in need during the holidays. It just shows you how much the community is behind these kids."

Certainly, Westbrook delivering during the holidays is a measure of his generosity off the field.

Photo Gallery : Westbrook Hosts Holiday Event
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-- Posted by Bob Kent, 3:20 p.m., December 22*