Daycare students watched while Pat and Gina Neely, who co-hosts the Food Network’s “Down Home with the Neelys” spoke to them and delivered bags of gifts to the children.
If the glowing faces and twinkling smiles of 200 children signified anything, they were signs that Gina and Pat Neely, hosts of the Food Network’s “Down Home with the Neelys” successful cooking show, had accomplished their mission.
“Seeing the kids’ faces… that’s precious,” said Gina Neely, who, along with Pat Neely, made a grand entrance Thursday afternoon (December 22) and brought with them bags of toys to present to the children at The New Glory Preparatory & Learning Daycare in the South Memphis community.
“Gina and I are so excited to give back,” said Pat Neely, who wore a Santa hat along with Gina and dropped off seven red, blue and green bags filled with toys. The words “Santa’s Sack” were imprinted in white letters on the four red bags – an indication no doubt that the Neelys were, at that moment, South Memphis’ Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
The Neelys arrived in an SUV filled with the big bags. Gina, Pat, their daughters and staff attended the event as well. Pat Neely referred to them as elves. They wore red and green pointed felt hats for the occasion.“The kids are excited, but not as excited as we a
re,” said Pat Neely, adding that he and Gina plan to keep the spirit of giving alive throughout the year.
“Over the past few years, we felt we hadn’t given enough,” he said.
Henry Brooks, owner of the daycare, said he and the Neelys have been friends since they were students at Melrose High School.
“They are celebrities and haven’t changed since high school,” he said.