Adrian Peterson dresses as Santa, gives gifts to kids at Mary's Place

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Smiles were everywhere Tuesday at Starkey Hearing and Mary’s Place as the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson spread a little holiday cheer. 

About 60 patients were fitted with new hearing aids, but not before getting pictures with a handful of players.

“Some kids who have never heard before have the opportunity to hear again,” Adrian Peterson said.  “Ya know, it melts your heart. So anytime I can be involved. Biggest hearts in the world.”

The Starkey-Vikings partnership has been a team effort for years now. Players are happy to be part of the longstanding tradition that can open up a whole new world for those with hearing loss.

“Just the expressions on their faces, it's priceless for us,” Kyle Rudolph said. “I think at times we get more out of it than the kids do.”

At a separate event, Peterson dressed as Santa Clause to greet all the children at Mary's Place. While there, he and his family handed out gift bags and traded smiles with nearly 420 kids.