By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Santa showed up with his helpers – much of the defensive backfield for the Eagles – to distribute toys at the annual Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children. The gifts went to children who might not otherwise be getting much for Christmas.

Archbishop Charles Chaput is recuperating after knee replacement surgery, so Bishop John McIntyre ably filled in:

“For us, as a church, it’s our fulfilling of the mission that Christ gave us to help or assist those who are in need.”

More than 400 young people who receive services from one of a dozen programs within Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia tore through wrapping paper, as Santa made the rounds:

“I got a doll house!”

“I got a jewelry thing. You make necklaces and earrings and stuff.”

Eagles defensive backs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Boykin, Colt Anderson and Curtis Marsh helped give out toys. Rodgers-Cromartie hooked up with the Eagles mascot, Swoop, to mix it up with the children:

“Man, I’m glad to be here. The kids are energetic. And we brought swoop.”

Boykin didn’t mind putting his signature on doll houses and other toys:

“Barbie dolls and whatever they hand me. That’s what it’s all about, giving back to the kids.”