49ers players made the holidays a little more special for many, as they partnered with underserved youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley to embark on a shopping spree for the Annual Visa Shop with A Player event.

For the 9th straight year, Visa provided players such as QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Torrey Smith, DT Quinton Dial, T Joe Staley, P Bradley Pinion, DL Marcus Rush, T Donald Hawkins, TE Blake Bell, S Eric Reid, QB Dylan Thompson, WR Torrey Smith, NT Ian Williams, TE Garrett Celek, WR Bruce Ellington with Visa prepaid cards to help each of the youth purchase $300 worth of gifts for their families. The youth were paired one-on-one with a player and spent the afternoon purchasing gifts not for themselves, but for their loved ones. Players helped the youth collect their items, swipe the Visa cards, and wrap the new gifts to ensure a surprise delivery for all on Christmas morning.

For some players, such as rookie Blake Bell, it was their first time participating in the yearly holiday event. Other 49ers, such as veteran Joe Staley, have taken part in the festive affair numerous times.

"Spending time with the kids and seeing them really be able to purchase gifts for their family members, they deserve it," said Staley of his five years participating. "They're able to say thank you for what they've done and show appreciation for others."

Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley is a non-profit organization that offers innovative and effective after school and summer enrichment programs for low income, high risk Santa Clara County youth. Their mission is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults.