NBA star turned commentator, product pitchman and actor Shaquille O'Neal spread holiday joy to a group of around 200 children at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta-Bellwood Unit on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in Atlanta this week.
Kids also got winter coats, food to take home and other essentials. Sponsors including JAKKS Cares (the philanthropic division of leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific), Feed the Children, Quiznos and the Cartoon Network all participated in the fun event.
O'Neal said his favorite Christmas present ever was the basketball and New York Nets tickets his dad surprised him with when he was about 11. They weren't the greatest seats, but Julius "Dr. J." Erving was playing that night, and his mastery of the court gave young Shaq some ideas about what his future could look like if he worked hard and pursued his dreams.
O’Neal, who said his philanthropic spirit comes from his mom, makes annual visits to Boys & Girls Club holiday events to deliver toys to young people he can relate to. A Boys & Girls Club member himself as a youngster, he shared some words of wisdom with the youths before doling out dolls, action figures, scooters, bikes, sports gear and other fun stuff.
“Listen to your counselors. Listen to your teachers. Listen to your parents,” he told the group of excited children. “Trust me, that stuff works.”
O’Neal, who lives in Atlanta now, had everyone repeat a pledge: “I will listen to my mommy. I will listen to my daddy. I will listen to my counselors. I will be obedient, be respectful. And I will become whatever I want to be. I will always follow my dreams. Nobody can stop me from fulfilling my dreams.”
His final bit of guidance: “Be leaders, not followers.” By that he meant, if a friend wants to talk you into participating in some foolishness, say no and stay out of trouble.
“When I was young, those were the only three rules I followed and I’m here today,” he said.
Just before inviting everyone to line up for gifts, "Shaq-a-Claus" led the crowd in a very rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells." A video clip of the happy carolers is online: buzz.blog.ajc.com/2014/12/16/shaq-sings-christmas-carols-spreads-holiday-cheer.
