Cottonmouths spread holiday cheer at Midtown Medical Center

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - They're known for their impact on the ice, but the Columbus Cottonmouths made an even bigger impact to the community.

The team spent some time at Midtown Medical Center on Tuesday to spread some holiday cheer to kids in need.
 
"There's really no way to describe it. If you can make somebody's day, it's pretty awesome," defenseman Kyle Johnson said.  

It was awesome for the kids at Midtown Medical Center as they got to see some of their favorite hockey players in person, especially 11-year-old Hannah Woods.
 
"They told me the Cottonmouths were coming, but I didn't know I was going to be half asleep when they got here," she said, laughing. "They got me a makeup kit, some coloring books with crayons and a candy cane."

The Snakes have done this for several years now, and love seeing the smiles it puts on the kids' faces.
 
"I can't even describe it," said forward Al Graves. "Words can't really describe it. It's a great feeling to know you can be at least some sort of light in someone else's life."

"It's very humbling," Johnson added. "We're very lucky to do what we do so it's our way of giving back to the community and letting them know we appreciate them."

The parents are also appreciative.

Tajuan Kennedy's child has been in the hospital, so seeing the Cottonmouths do something like this to brighten her spirit, is a big thing.

 "She was sick with pneumonia so all her brothers and sisters can't come visit and to have someone show all that love and affection was really awesome," Kennedy said. "She was really excited. Never in a million years did I expect that."

Of course, it's great for the kids too.

"It made me happy," Woods said.
 
The Cottonmouths will continue to spread the Christmas cheer this week. Friday and Saturday are part of a Very Merry Cottonmouths Christmas Weekend. Friday night will be a Christmas Eve pajama party, and Saturday night is the Tacky Christmas sweater party with Santa.

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