HOUSTON – Since arriving in Houston as the second overall pick in the draft, Texans Pro Bowl Quarterback CJ Stroud and his family wanted to share more than just his ability to throw a football.

He wants to impact people’s lives through his philanthropic works off the field.

The CJ Stroud Foundation was launched last year to help families in need and has benefited those affected by Hurricane Beryl, hosting youth soccer camps and giving back to families in need.

On Tuesday, the charitable foundation hosted an event at a local HEB to distribute $150 gift cards, a free turkey voucher, a Texas sweater and a t-shirt to 25 registered families ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“This is amazing for the C..J Stroud Foundation,” said Kimberly Stroud, CJ’s mother. “First of all, we love Houston and we just want to make the holidays a little better. This is our way of thanking you for being so loyal, not only to CJ, but to our foundation, it’s been really great.”

Growing up in California, Stroud and his family fell on hard times as his mother raised him and his siblings as a single parent. Despite the difficulties, they always remained a united family who supported each other in their dreams.

“When CJ was very young, he always wanted to give back,” Kimberly Stroud said. “He’s such an incredible human being. He really cared. The CJ Stroud Foundation was started because he wanted people to know that he cares and that he is not just here to play football, but he is also here to make an impact and that is our little way of doing it.

“The impact of the CJ Stroud Foundation only shows its human side. It’s not just about the glitz and glamor of the football field. We forget that these guys are human beings. These guys have heart and they care, and I think that’s the biggest impact we’ve had so far.

Kimberly Stroud highlighted the feeling of emotion that weighed on her heart as she remembered the days when, as a single mother, a free turkey or a $100 gift card could stretch those things to make ends meet.

“Just seeing how grateful they are, it means so much,” she said.

The Texans are 6-4 and in first place in the AFC South division. Stroud was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season and set several NFL and franchise records.

The Texans are on a two-game losing streak and have lost three of their last four games. Stroud has been sacked 34 times and his numbers are down while playing under heavy duress and without top receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs due to injuries.

Criticism of the team and Stroud has mounted, particularly on social media and on sports radio following an offseason where expectations skyrocketed and the team was labeled a leading contender for the Super Bowl.

Although things have been difficult lately, the family maintains a positive attitude and healthy outlook.

“It’s a long journey,” Kimberly Stroud said. “It started a long time ago with my son. One thing I’m always proud of is that I’m a mama bear and these are my little cubs, no matter how old they are. They are still my babies.

“It’s really hard sometimes to hear the negativity because I know my son’s heart. He loves Houston. He loves the Texans. He just wants to do his best for them. I love that we are doing this event because not only does it uplift the community, but it uplifts CJ and Texans, making it a positive outcome.

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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 click2houston.com.