Travis Benjamin remembers the feeling like it was yesterday.
Growing up in Belle Glade Florida, he would routinely visit youth football camps put on by hometown NFL players like Fred Taylor and Santonio Holmes.
But this Saturday, Benjamin is looking forward to being that player young athletes can aspire to emulate.
On June 24, the wide receiver will be holding two community events: a youth football camp and a backpack/school supplies giveaway. Both events are free.
"It'll be at my high school (Glades Central High School)," Benjamin said. "It's for the kids in my community in Belle Glade and Palm Beach County. This is my third one. I just wanted to help the kids so they can have something to do for the summer."
The football camp is for kids ages 11-18 in grades 6-12.
As for the backpack drive, 200 lucky students in grades K-8 will get a new backpack and set of school supplies. This part of the event hits home for Benjamin.
"Coming from where I'm from, parents have limited resources and money is short around school time. So just by knocking out supplies and book bags (with the event), they can spend everything else on clothes and whatever they need for the school year."
NFL athletes enjoy giving back, but an event like this is personal. Benjamin wants to be sure he does as much as he can to give back to his native community similarly to how those he idolized when he was a kid did the same.
"That feeling of (being a kid) being around NFL players was just such a good feeling. When (Taylor and Holmes) came back and gave back to my community, it was something that I looked up to. (I told myself) one day, when I get to that spot, I have to do the same thing. If you're around the Palm Beach County area or just want to come in, camp is 200-250 people but we'll still fit you in!"
For more information or how to register for the events, click here.
