A Kansas City single mother of six got the Christmas surprise of a lifetime when the Chiefs selected her family as sideline guests for Thursday night's game against the Denver Broncos.

Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Shanice Woods, a single mother and University of Missouri-Kansas City student, and her six children for a special VIP experience at Arrowhead Stadium. Woods, who entered a Salvation Army contest by sharing her family's story, was honored as the team's 'very important family' during a recent game.

The family enjoyed sideline access, met former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, and participated in pregame activities, including Woods throwing out the first pass. The experience was particularly meaningful for Woods' children, who expressed admiration for their mother's perseverance, and the family described it as their best Christmas ever.

Chiefs surprise single mom, her kids with VIP Christmas experience

Parents, you of all people know how hard you were to make your Christmas memorable for your family. I'm Ryan Gamboa at Arrowhead Stadium. For one Kansas City family, they just needed a little bit of help from the Chiefs to make their holiday perfect. The best Christmas ever starts at the Tower Gate. Shanice Woods and her six kids were the Chiefs' very important family at Wednesday night's game. The Chiefs picked my family. Shanice entered a contest through the Salvation Army, writing a letter to the Chiefs to share her story. She's a UMKC student, has a son with autism, and another with a cognitive disability. The Chiefs picked her family for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It brings us closer together because, you know, we're able to enjoy this moment as a unit. From the sideline, watching pregame warm-ups and meeting some familiar faces. Very first game ever for all of us. That's former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. I think it's something they'll remember for the rest of their lives. So memorable, little Jayceon was less speechless. But this experience was more than just football, opening the eyes of Shanice's 14-year-old daughter, Shayon. I learned that she never gave up. She just keep going. Even if it's hard, very hard, my mama, she keep going. And I like that. I love that about my mama. So why not honor Mama in front of Chiefs' kingdom by throwing out Thursday night's first pass? I had fun. I had a ball. It was probably the best experience I've had in my life. And that experience was had with the ones who matter most. Gotta cherish what you got. I couldn't ask for a better Christmas. In Kansas City, Ryan Gamboa, KSHB 41 News.

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Breakdown