Cris Carter gives back to the community, thinks of former teammate Randy Moss

MINNEAPOLIS — A Vikings Hall of Famer experiences all kinds of emotions. Cris Carter deals with the announcement from Randy Moss about his cancer condition.

On Saturday evening, he surprised children on behalf of the Salvation Army with a gift bag that was not missing anything.

About 25 families attended and thought they would get dinner and a gift or two. For Cris Carter, the Salvation Army was his family’s salvation growing up.

“It was tough, you know. No father around, so that’s the way I grew up. The Salvation Army was there in my hometown in Ohio,” Carter said.

It continues today for families in the area.

“Helping sustain our family with food, shelter and clothing,” said Sahani Windom.

But what no one knew Saturday was that Carter had tapped several high-end partners to sponsor it.

Some of the gifts may have been a little overwhelming.

“They have no idea that when we opened this back door the magnitude that would change people’s lives,” Carter said. “Laptops, groceries, clothes, shoes, stuff like that.”

When they unveiled the gift shop, the kids and parents got all that and more.

It was a good night, but still a tough week. Carter and his former Vikings teammates deal with what Moss is going through with his cancer diagnosis, and it’s never far from Carter’s mind.

“What Randy’s going through right now, I couldn’t imagine what he’s going through. I couldn’t imagine. So as teammates, collectives, organization, we’re just praying for him and his family.”