.png)
McLaurin is partnering with United Healthcare to connect D.C. students in need with laundry supplies.
WASHINGTON — There is no off-season for Terry McLaurin's philanthropic efforts. The star wide receiver for the Washington Commanders was at McKinley Middle School in Northeast D.C. on Friday to launch a new effort to help some of the District's school kids in need.
Some of the students at McKinley might not have access to a washing machine or even detergent.
"It's heartbreaking to know that some of our students come and they are victims of bullying because their clothing is dirty or because their shoes aren't clean," said McKinley Middle School assistant principal Rasheda Webster.
There's no off season for @Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin & his philanthropic efforts.
Story on @wusa9 6pm.
I ALSO asked McLaurin to talk about a new ESPN survey showing he is NOT among the top 10 wide receivers in the NFL.
His answer was 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/61EXxTDM3p
McLaurin says he saw that in his own schools growing up.
"For kids to be bullied or separated from their classmates because of things like that. Ostracized. it really bothered me," he said.
Because of that experience, and after learning about the need in D.C., McLaurin and his foundation stepped up and stepped in.
"I think that we all understand we have this platform for more than being football players," McLaurin said. "We should be leaders in the community and provide resources, and wisdom, and financial support for the communities around us."
McLaurin is partnering with Fortune 500 company United Healthcare to launch 'Terry's Locker'. The program helps to make sure students in need receive resources most of us take for granted.
"They have the opportunities to come and be their full selves and not have to worry about things that are sometimes out of their control," said McLaurin.
"They don't have to stay at home, become truant or chronically absent due to not being able to wash their uniforms and their school clothing," said Principal Webster.
"I brought a team of people [to the event]. I brought my son who's going to high school next year," said United Healthcare Vice President Anton DeRoo.
DeRoo tells WUSA9 that raising awareness of the problem is getting even more people to step up; the generosity is contagious.
"I just had a conversation with my team of five and they said when's the next event," said DeRoo. "They heard Terry say there's three more events. They want to be at the next one."
In fact, organizers of Terry's Locker say the next public event is scheduled for next Tuesday in Richmond.
English (US) ·