Santa Claus had a lot of assistance in spreading the holiday cheer this year. Ravens quarterback Steve McNair teamed up with several other Ravens players at Castle Toyota last week. The invitation-only party joined McNair?s Foundation with Castle Automotive Group to give to Baltimore City?s neediest children gifts who would otherwise do without. It wasn?t Santa?s sleigh arriving in the parking lot, but a police helicopter that really got the kids excited. “Children deserve a happy holiday,” said Howard Castleman, president of the Castle Automotive Group, “and whatever we can do to achieve that goal and see their smiles as they open their presents, is worthwhile.” McNair?s Foundation donated shirts, autographed pictures and footballs. All agreed that our quarterback is as great off the field as he is on the gridiron.

Another Raven helping out around the holidays is cornerback Chris McAlister, No. 21, who brought his family ? Mom, Dad and brother ? to The Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. The party brought smiles galore to the families living at the house while their children receive medical treatment. “The families were very touched that Chris included his family to meet ours,” said Marianne Rowan-Braun, executive director of The Ronald McDonald House.