Sacramento Kings' DeMarcus Cousins Takes Kids on a Shopping Spree [Watch!]

NBA star DeMarcus Cousins knows how trying the holidays can be -- that's why he loves to give back.  On Dec. 14, Cousins took underprivileged children on a shopping spree: The Sacramento Kings player bought presents, autographed shirts, took selfies and had sincere conversations with underprivileged children from the Sacramento area. 

"It's the greatest feeling ever," Cousins told Yahoo Sports. "To me, that's the real world. There is none of the basketball here. That's a fantasy world. Putting a smile on kids, putting a smile on families' faces, changing people's lives with your so-called status and celebrity with your so-called impact -- that's reality."

Cousins was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1990. He and his siblings were raised by their single mother, Monique Cousins, who worked as a practical nurse. And while she worked tremendously hard, Cousins said  the family still struggled financially -- which was especially apparent during the holidays.

"My memories of Christmas -- it was more about being around family," Cousins told Yahoo. "We weren't the most fortunate family growing up. My mom did what she could and I was grateful for whatever it was. ... At Christmas you were hoping for this and that. At the same time, as a kid I knew what our situation was. I understood.

"You'd go back to school and your friends would say, 'What you get for Christmas?' You gotta make up a lie. 'I got this, this and this.' It's all part of growing up, and everyone has a different story. It made me who I am today. I know what it's like."

Four years ago, Cousins introduced his "Santa Cuz" persona, even dressing up as Santa for the first two years --quite a sight, considering Cousins' 6'11" 270-pound frame. And while Cousins has ditched the Santa suit, his generosity has remained the same. This year, he gave each child a $200 gift certificate to buy presents for themselves and their families. The total cost of the shopping spree amounted to some $20,000.

He also surprised a family with a new car.