LAWRENCE — New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski loves kids.
In fact, he even was one.
"I remember so many great things from my childhood growing up, and we're always talking about it," said Gronkowski, who had four brothers in his own little "Boys Club" as he grew up in suburban Buffalo.
"It was a pleasure growing up, and I still loving talking about it. I wish I could still be (a kid)," he said yesterday.
Yesterday, the budding NFL superstar pass receiver put his actions behind his words here, trekking the hour-plus up from Foxboro to introduce "A Very Gronkowski Christmas Raffle" to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.
An Internet raffle, promoted by the Celebrities for Charities Foundation, will allow fans to purchase raffle tickets to win a pair of tickets for the Dec. 24 Pats home game with Miami, followed by a postgame meet and greet with "Gronk."
"I want to do something very special for a loyal Patriots fan. We'll definitely have something special, a great present for Christmas Eve," said Gronkowski. "(Celebrity) comes and goes, but you have to stay humble and give back to the community. That's what got me here."
Gronkowski made the special announcement here in the foyer of the club, "an incredible facility that does so much for kids," he said.
As children spilled in for their afternoon activities, word of Gronkowski's presence spread through the club and even down out to Water Street.
Even Gronkowski was taken by the response from the youngsters.
The second year pro out of Arizona State might want to get used to all the attention.
Already with 52 catches for 709 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns, Gronkowski has soared to prominence, not just here but across the nation.
An unassuming sort, Gronkowski is still learning and adjusting to the notoriety.
"You can't think about (what I've accomplished so far)," he said. "Those games are in the past. You have to keep looking forward, worry about your job this week, how you can accomplish it, and get to work on it on the practice field.
"You can't be satisfied with what you've done."
His presence at the club and the raffle was more than appreciated.
"As you can see here, we help a lot of children here who come from dire situations," said Boys Club director Markus Fischer. "When someone like this takes the opportunity to help us out, it's great. And it's definitely appreciated."
GET 'GRONK' FOR CHRISTMAS
What is it: "A Very Gronkowski Christmas Raffle"
Grand Prize: Two tickets to the Patriots-Dolphins game in Foxboro on Dec. 24 with a special postgame meet-and-greet with Pats tight end Rob Gronkowski; an autographed jersey and football, plus $100 for parking and food expense.
Who benefits: All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.
To purchase tickets: Go to www.netraffle.org. Tickets are $2 apiece with a minimum of $10 worth purchased.
