As she looked over the Scott family's wish list, one request carried Charde Houston all the way back to her childhood. Three of the Scott children -- George, Ravonee and Deamondre -- hoped to get bikes for Christmas.
Houston had found a new one under the tree every year when she was a girl. The Lynx forward recalled how she and her brother would jump on those bikes and ride all over their San Diego neighborhood, exploring every part of their world.
Then her family became homeless, and life changed dramatically.
Wednesday, she made sure the Scott kids got their bikes, along with everything else they asked for. Houston flew to the Scotts' hometown of Atlantic City, N.J., from Slovakia -- where she plays in a women's pro league during the winter -- to surprise the family with a Christmas as memorable as the ones she once knew. Her foundation, Project Y.O.U., gathered $3,000 worth of clothing and gifts for single mom Danielle Scott and her five children, who hadn't expected any presents this year.
"I remember how happy I was when I was riding bikes with my brother, and I wanted them to have the same experience," Houston said. "This is really close to my heart because of my background and the experience I went through.
"You never know what could be the turning point in a child's life. To be that positive reinforcement, letting them know there is life and hope after hardship, it makes my heart full."
Danielle Scott wasn't planning to celebrate the holiday this year. After losing her lease, she had just found an affordable apartment and felt grateful simply to have a home for herself and Krystal, 15; George, 14; Zahquan, 13; Ravonee, 9; and Deamondre, 7.
Three years of unemployment have made it a struggle just to pay the rent. But her children never have complained, Scott said, which made her all the more delighted to see their Christmas wishes come true.
"I don't even know what to say," Scott said. "They're happy kids, and we all feel so blessed to be together. I am so grateful. We will never forget this, ever."
Heartfelt project
Houston, a 2009 WNBA All-Star, was 13 when she briefly lived in a car with her mother and siblings after they lost their home. She established Project Y.O.U. -- which stands for Youth Opportunities Unlimited -- to help kids facing similar hardships in the Twin Cities, San Diego and other communities.
After Project Y.O.U. helped a family at Christmas last year, Houston wanted to play Santa Claus again. She asked for nominations of deserving families, and she found out about the Scotts through the Youth Advocate Program in Atlantic City.
Right away, she felt compelled to help. Houston learned the Scott children excelled in school and were the type of kids who sent thank-you notes to people who lent them a hand. They also had little.
"They needed everything from underclothes to shoes to winter coats," Houston said. "These are kids who are on the right track. I didn't want them to go without, or get teased for what they don't have. I wanted to provide these kids with everything we possibly could."
The Project Y.O.U. staff put out the word through social media such as Twitter and Facebook. Some people donated money, but Houston was touched to learn that many chose gifts from the children's Christmas lists, bought the items and shipped them to Atlantic City.
Krystal's wishes included a laptop and a pair of Ugg boots. Zahquan wanted a chess board, school pants and a science lab set. Ravonee hoped for Barbie dolls and a basketball, while Deamondre wanted a remote-control car, sneakers and action figures.
They had no idea that people all over the country -- as well as Houston, in Slovakia -- were pulling together to create their dream Christmas. Houston wanted to keep it secret, so Danielle Scott was told to bring her family to the Youth Advocate Program offices because they were a finalist for the top prize in a toy drive.
On their way there, George wondered aloud why they were even bothering to go, since they had only a small chance of winning. That quickly turned to shock and disbelief when Houston and her elves unveiled the gifts.
"They were definitely surprised," said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who has a home near Atlantic City and came to share in the fun. "To see something like that firsthand, it made my Christmas. Charde has never forgotten her own story, and she has that pay-it-forward mentality. I'm so proud of her."
Houston will spend Christmas in San Diego with her family before returning to Slovakia. She isn't expecting to get a bike this year. She's already received an even better gift: delivering an unforgettable holiday to six new friends.
"People ask me if I'm rich because I'm a professional athlete," she said. "I always tell them, 'Yes, I'm rich. I'm rich in spirit.' To see the smiles on the faces of the people we help, that's my Christmas present."
