Former NFL star Victor Cruz donates hundreds of shoes to kids in need

Former New York Giants superstar Victor Cruz made plenty of fans smile with his contagious personality on the field. He became known for his salsa dancing touchdown celebrations, a tribute to his late grandmother, and quickly became a favorite among the loyal supporters of the G-Men.

Even in retirement, Cruz has continued to make people smile -- especially with his charity work.

Last week, the Super Bowl XLVI champion headed to the Bronx, New York, to kick off a shoe donation campaign with DSW and their philanthropic partner, Soles4Souls. Cruz surprised over 100 schoolkids with new shoes that they had the opportunity to customize to fit their own style and personalities.

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"It's amazing what kids can accomplish with something as simple as a pair of shoes," Cruz said. "It makes them feel like they can run faster, jump higher, and sparks their sense of style and confidence."

"That's why we give back," he told AOL.com. "To have these kids smile and enjoy themselves and have fun."

See photos from the event:

The event in the Bronx began a summer of giving for DSW. Thanks to the retailer's 26 million VIP loyalty members, 100,00 pairs of new shoes will be given to kids in need, just in time for back to school.

The ever-stylish Cruz said his favorite part of the event was seeing the kids smile while they customized their footwear. He cited his own shoes, specifically his creative collaboration with Pierre Hardy that was revealed earlier this month, as being among his personal favorite pieces to wear.