It is common in sports to hear a player thank “his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in a postgame or sideline interview.
Players often pray on the field prior to or following games and sometimes even point to the sky following a touchdown or a big play.
Longtime Detroit Lions kicker 
It was through that Bible study that Hanson and some of his teammates decided their faith should go beyond the words and actions often seen by fans before, during or after games.
“We would say these things and we meant them, but we were talking about how we need to live that out,” said Hanson of his Bible study group led by team chaplain, Dave Wilson.
“We need to do something with that that isn’t just victory-related or success-related. That gave rise to us wanting to do something in the community.”
Thus began the “Evening of Hope.”
HOPEFUL BEGINNINGS
The event, which began in 2007, was coined “Evening of Hope” by Reverend Terry Robinson of Here’s Life Inner City Ministries in Detroit.
Leading up to Christmas that year, Hanson reached out to Robinson to find families he and his teammates could reach out to.
“They knew their communities and they knew the families that were struggling,” said Hanson. “That was our connection to get to the families instead of us just trying to find some way to identify them ourselves.”
Robinson looks for families who have been diligent in a program they offer through their church – The Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit – throughout the year who are in financial need for one reason or another.
“It’s not just simply a family that’s in the community that we have no contact with,” said Robinson, “but a family who’s been involved in some nature with the church and who is definitely hurting; either they’re out of work or been laid off or could even be struggling on welfare.”
This year, the event brought approximately 65 families to a Meijer store to meet with Hanson and the players and – most importantly – to meet some needs through gift cards purchased through their money pooled together. Each year, each family has received approximately $1,000 to spend at Meijer.
The players get to act as the check-out clerks and interact with the families as they are making their way through the lines.
“I think some people are stunned and there are people who have been crying,” said quarterback
BEING A WITNESS
The idea of giving to these families during the holidays is a nice idea in itself, but there is a deeper meaning for Hanson and his teammates.
As believers of the Christian faith, they wanted to do more than simply talk about God amongst themselves within chapel services and Bible studies.
“Instead of just talking about our faith, we need to show it as well,” said Hanson. “That we believe God is real and that he’s been good to us.”
For that reason, Hanson talks to the families prior to the presentation of the gift cards and prior to shopping.
“I think I said this for a couple years on behalf of the guys that are there: ‘we’re not interested, really, if you like the Lions or football or if you remember any of our names,’” recalls Hanson.
“Coming out of chapel service, we’re pointing to what God has done and can do for these families. That was the point. We needed to state that before the evening – that was the purpose. We wanted it to be clear why we were doing it.”
The families actually don’t know what’s in store for them when they arrive to the event – that this is an event put on by members of the team – so when they receive their gift card and learn the amount on it, it has come as a shock.
“It’s a lot of money for them, so I think that they’re very moved by the chance to actually get some stuff to help,” said Hanson.
MAKING AN IMPACT
Such a simple act for these players – one night of giving money and time to those in need –that impacts in such a big way.
Gordie Lindsay of Rejoyce Ministries in Pontiac (also the Detroit Pistons’ team chaplain), who began participating in the event in 2008, recalls one mom who was in tears after receiving her gift card and learning the amount she had to spend on the card.
“It was almost like she was paralyzed,” said Lindsay. “She didn’t know what to do and she said, ‘Is there any way you can send our love and appreciation to these guys?’ I said, ‘Well, if you remember, Jason was up there talking and said it’s not about them, it’s all about celebrating the birth of Jesus and what Jesus had done in their life.’
“But this mom was very insistent that I give the message to Jason and the other guys how much she appreciated it because, if it hadn’t been for them, they wouldn’t have a Christmas.”
Robinson received a note from a woman who, prior to the event, was trying to decide if she wanted to forgo paying her gas bill for the month so she could purchase gifts for her kids.
“She wrote us back really thanking the Lions and ourselves for providing this for her and she said, ‘I’m willing to do whatever I can to say thank you. I will come and scrub toilets out of appreciation,’” said Robinson.
“I think she epitomizes a lot of families for whom it just renews their sense of hope. Not only that someone cares, but even that the Lord is watching out for them.”
LOVE FROM LIONS
One of the stipulations Hanson has made with this event is that no cameras are allowed.
Reason being, Hanson and his teammates want to make this about the families and about giving out of a love for God – not about basking in the spotlight.
“Hopefully they can tell it’s about them and we’re not interested in attention for it,” said Hanson. “We’re talking about it now because it’s not a secret and it’s been great for the guys to come. Everybody’s been excited to do it, but that hasn’t been the point.”
Though the players never wanted to make the event about themselves as football players, the fact that professional football players are reaching out does, in fact, make a difference.
Lindsay says that the families are even more moved by the fact that members of the Detroit Lions would make time to spend with them and give to them out of love.
“They’re overwhelmed that the Detroit Lions players would think about them,” said Lindsay.
“It’s a huge deal that it’s from the players because these guys – even though the team struggles – everybody knows they’re famous and they’re wealthy and for them to choose them adds to the value of the person receiving because it makes it extra special.”
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Professional football players or not, giving to these families at Christmastime is probably even more of a reward for the players themselves than what the families are receiving.
The gift of perspective is invaluable and something that is easy to lose in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Through this event, the players who participate get to witness people cherishing the ability to purchase basic needs – something so easy to take for granted.
“It’s so humbling to see what these people who go through the line have purchased,” said Stanton.
“It’s almost alarming at times because you see them buying ordinary stuff – paper towels or everyday needs – and it really hits home.”
It goes back to the reason the event was started: Hanson and his teammates feeling blessed to play professional football for a living and wanting to give back.
“I watch the players as they are helping these families when they check out; they are the ones who man the check-out lanes and, also, have helped them get everything to their vehicles,” said Robinson.
“I think it enriches their own lives and makes them, I think, more humble and thankful that they have this opportunity to play professional football and to be rewarded for it financially.”
It also forges a connection between the Lions’ players and the community itself. Instead of hearing about people, they get to know people and see the realities of their lives, bridging a gap for more than can be done throughout the year.
“That night sparks a connection,” said Lions’ team chaplain Dave Wilson. “When there’s other needs that happen in June or September, there’s a relationship built between Jason and the players and me. When there’s a need, they have somebody to call and we are interested.
“We meet those families so you talk to them, you get to know them, you see their little kids running around, you see babies, you see strollers and something happens. It’s more than a name or something on a piece of paper, it’s a real family.”
