It’s that time of year… Shaq-a-Claus is back in action! This year, the big man celebrated the big holiday with hundreds of children at the brand-new clubhouse in Henry County, Georgia, funded by O’Neal’s own foundation.
Shaq has been involved with children’s’ programs in Henry County – just south-east of Atlanta – for several years, but this is not the only place where Shaq-a-Claus is making an appearance this year.
Through the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, the basketball legend continues his 21-year tradition of brightening the holidays by providing thousands of toys, clothing, meals, and more to underprivileged youth across the country. The Big Man is throwing six of these parties through December not only in Henry County, but also in Las Vegas, New Jersey and Orlando.
This is a very special year and celebration in Georgia. This will be the inaugural Shaq-A-Claus event hosted at the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club, which opened in August 2021. The facility, housed in the former Henry County Middle School, underwent a $1.1 million renovation before opening its doors as a Boys & Girls Club.
This is one of Shaq’s favorite giving-back programs. “The kids can play in a great new space from an organization that I’m extremely proud to be associated with. And they will go home with big smiles and an armful of gifts thanks to my incredibly generous sponsors who understand what makes kids feel happy, successful and supported.”
Being a marketing spokesperson and business partner with so many well-known brands helps put the party together. This year, Shaq-A-Claus will check the following items off holiday wish lists, courtesy of business partners.
This year, some of the partners (and their contributions) include: Great Clips, providing fresh and free haircuts, $100.00 Walmart gift cards for all 5th grade students and their families, donated by Pepsi Stronger Together. There’s also Tonka Toys and Trucks, all kinds of school supplies (and a backpack to keep everything in), clothing items from Nautica and Izod, and snacks from PepsiCo and Frito-Lay.
Along with the goodies, there was a community party featuring carnival games and prizes, a live DJ and hot pizzas served by Papa John’s, and more. And of course, the live and in-person appearance by Shaq-A-Claus himself! Check out the video to see what it all looked like.
The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation has been in the business of helping families and underserved youth for several years. Started by Shaq in 2019, the Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for children.
One of the Foundation’s biggest partnerships is with the Boys & Girls Clubs, one of Shaq’s personal favorites… along with the group Communities in Schools in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Want to see other ways the big man is helping? Check out the website: shaqfoundation.org.