‘Shaq-a-Claus’ delivers gifts to Henry County students
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal hosted a holiday extravaganza on Monday, complete with delicious barbecue, haircuts, clothes, games, dancing and gifts for more than 500 students.
Now in its 20th year, the Shaq-a-Claus event took place at Wesley Lakes Elementary School in Henry County. The goal of the event was to provide toys, clothing, meals and other necessities to underserved children.
Shaq said he started the annual holiday bash in 1992 when his mom, the originator of Shaq-a-Claus, visited a local Boys & Girls Club and asked her son for some help, TMZ reported.
Shaq told the tabloid that he then “went to the nearest Toys “R” Us and bought out the store”.
“This is all about making the kids happy,” Shaq told TMZ. “But, more importantly, it’s all about making my mother happy...for her to see her baby boy doing good things like she taught him to do, that right there is one of the best feelings.”
“Today is a special day,” he added. “I saw a lot of happy kids.”
Our picks this week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is your No. 1 source for things to do, see, make, buy and eat through the holidays. Here are our recommendations:
LISTEN: What’s on Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ holiday playlist?
DRINK: Here’s the holiday spirit Atlanta’s sipping this Christmas
DO: Seven places to show off your ice skating moves in and around Atlanta
VISIT: Full AJC holiday guide for things to do, buy and enjoy
For our full coverage of holiday events around metro Atlanta, check out the AJC’s Things to Do page.
About the Author
Avery Newmark covers travel, wellness, events and trending news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With a dual background in film production and journalism, Avery came to the AJC after working as a video editor. She enjoys film photography and live music in her free time. Reach her at avery.newmark@ajc.com.
