Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation Tackles Children's Literacy

Hines Ward Tackles Children's Literacy

Hines Ward doesn't want to let kids down.

The Steelers wide receiver and recent "Dancing with the Stars" champion started the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation with the goal of improving literacy amongst inner-city youth. The foundation has also expanded to South Korea where it helps biracial children confront discrimination.

The foundation's website notes that Ward was born in Seoul, South Korea to a Korean mother and an African American soldier. "Having persevered through many trials as a child in a single parent home, Hines has dedicated his time off the field to the betterment of inner city and underprivileged youth in the Pittsburgh and Atlanta areas," the site says.

Ward sat down with NBC News to talk about his charity work.

Q: Can you tell us some of the history behind your organization? What made you start working for this cause?

Ward: I decided to start my charity out of my love for kids of all ages and because of my own upbringing. In Pittsburgh, I meet kids of all ages from all walks of life. I see the desire in their eyes to be someone great and I want to do all that I can to help those without the means and/or resources to achieve their dreams.

Read the whole interview here, and WATCH Ward take home the trophy on "Dancing with the Stars" below:

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