Christmas is coming early for nearly 800 elementary schoolchildren in the Atlanta area as Shaquille O'Neal – aka Shaq–A–Claus – visits McDonough Academy and Fairview Elementary School on Monday, December 11.
This marks the 15th year that Shaq–A–Claus has delivered holiday gifts and cheer to underprivileged children around the country. O’Neal’s longtime girlfriend, lifestyle blogger and author Laticia Rolle, will play the role of Mrs. Claus.
“Nothing is more rewarding than making a child’s Christmas a little brighter when their families may not have the means,” said O’Neal. “And doing so in the community we call home is extra special. Thank you to my business partners for helping to make this happen.”
This year, Shaq-A-Claus will check the following items off of holiday wish lists of schoolchildren:
• Plush dolls, stuffed animals, games, play sets and toy trucks from JAKKS Cares;
• Flying figures and radio control cars from World Tech Toys;
• Sing-A-Ma-Lings from Funrise;
• Socks from Aéropostale;
• Non-perishable food items from Convoy of Hope;
• Coats from Clothes4Souls in partnership with Macy’s.
Also planned is a holiday drive-by from the Krispy Kreme Cruiser, which will provide students a special first taste of Krispy Kreme’s new seasonal take on its iconic Original Glazed Doughnut: the Gingerbread Glazed Doughnut.
Festivities also will include face-painting, balloon animals and a live DJ. La Fete Weddings and Events is teaming up with event partners Chelsea Floral Designs and Crush Event Rentals to create a festive and memorable design.
Shaq–A–Claus will appear at 10 a.m. at Fairview Elementary School, located at 458 Fairview Road in Stockbridge. He will then sleigh ride through the night to McDonough Academy at 151 Macon Street in McDonough.
