Shaquille O’Neal Brings Christmas to Underprivileged Kids With Annual Shaq-a-Claus Event
Shaquille O’Neal turned Wesley Lakes Elementary School into a winter wonderland during a Shaq-a-Claus event held on Thursday in Atlanta.
The legendary former basketball star provided 750 underprivileged schoolchildren with gifts, clothes, haircuts, pizza and festive surprises during the annual event.
During December, O’Neal will be continuing his 22-year tradition of spreading cheer throughout Atlanta, Las Vegas, New Jersey and Orlando with the help of a variety of premium sponsors, including the likes of Great Clips, Nautica, Eddie Bauer, Jakks, Lucky Brand, Tonka Toys, Authentic Brands and World Tech Toys, among others. Festivities also included carnival games, a live DJ and hot pizzas served by Papa John’s.
“This season can make some kids feel left out or different from their peers,” said O’Neal. “Every child deserves to experience the holiday magic and hosting these events keeps that joy alive. Thanks to the generosity of my sponsors, we can celebrate together, have great fun, make memories and the kids go home feeling good.”
Since 1997, Shaq-a-Claus has provided tens of thousands of toys, clothing, meals and more to underprivileged youth across the country.
The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth, helping them achieve their full potential. Founded in 2019 by the beloved NBA Hall of Famer, television sports analyst and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, the foundation aims to instill hope and bring about change in challenged communities to shape a brighter future for children collectively.
While primarily partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in Schools, the former athlete’s namesake program simultaneously supports O’Neal’s other charitable endeavors like his aforementioned Shaq-a-Claus holiday event and initiatives, alongside his corporate partners. Many annual events take place through the foundation, including Shaq-to-School, which is an event designed to provide underprivileged kids with basic school supplies ahead of the upcoming school year.
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Amina Ayoud is an Assistant Digital Editor for Footwear News, where she writes stories about everything from celebrity style to breaking fashion and shoe releases. Ayoud cultivated a love of all things fashion early in life thanks to a deep love of fashion history and the luxury industry. In her free time, Ayoud is a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic.