The Hawks and several players are reaching out to the community during the holiday season.
Here is a look at some of the things that have been and will be done by the team:
* Dwight Howard hosted a 3-Point Santa Project for 50 youth from a local Boys and Girls Club on Sunday. At the event, held at Atlantic Station, each child received a wish from Target, a need from Dillard's and a book from Howard in partnership with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. In addition, Howard will team with JC Penney and host 50 youth from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. There will be a private shopping experience where they can select gifts for their families at the Northlake Mall on Tuesday.
* Paul Millsap returned to the Hollis Innovation Academy on Monday for a surprise visit to students who earned Hollis Heroes award for students exhibited positive behavior and attendance. Millsap visited with the students and distributed gifts. Millsap provided backpacks filled with school supplies to students this summer.
“I rewarded some of the kids who worked hard,” Millsap said. “I gave them some Lego sets and worked with them in a PE class. It was good to see the smiles on their faces, especially this time of year. Let them know that their hard work is paying off. I think that’s the biggest thing for little kids to know that when you work hard things will pay off for you.”
* Mike Muscala partnered with Pay Away the Layaway and surprised several customers with a gift and a zero balance on their holiday layaway at Toys R Us at Akers Mill Square on Monday.
* The Hawks staff adopted families from Bert's Big Adventure, an organization that provides magical experiences for children with chronic and terminal illnesses. The group purchased gifts from Walmart on Howell Mill Road and wrapped them at Philips Arena on Monday.
* Kris Humphries hosted families from the non-profit HOPE Atlanta at Tuesday night's game. The families watch pre-game shootaround, had dinner in a suite and met Humphries after the game and were presented with gifts.
* Hawks players and coaches will host a holiday party for families from Bert’s Big Adventure on Wednesday. Families will have a have a holiday meal and receive presents from their wish list purchased by the team.
* Kent Bazemore, through his ARMS Foundation, will adopt a family from the newly formed Tuskegee Airman Academy that serves children with great needs. Tuskegee is a STEM schools where student work within the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. Bazemore and his fiance Samantha will deliver food, clothes, toys and appliances on Tuesday.
* Taurean Prince will adopt five young men from The Village, which assists those aging out of foster care. He will provide them with gear from his apparel sponsor. The youth will also attend a December game and meet Prince.
About the Author
