Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq-a-Claus) Gives Back
Written By: Scott | Category: Cleveland Cavaliers | Comments: 6
He may not be 100 percent after experiencing a shoulder strain, but that did not stop Cavaliers center Shaquille O’Neal from giving back to the Cleveland community this past weekend. Referring to himself as “Shaq-a-Claus,” O’Neal took part in the Mayfield, Ohio Toys ‘R’ Us Toy drive for the holidays, donating gifts to children in need.
The News Herald reports that a gallary of about 100 people, including children and employees, followed O’Neal through the store as he filled shopping carts full of toys. The big man finished off the afternoon by signing autographs, taking pictures with some fans, and shaking the hands of others.
“I realize we are living in a tough economy, but if you can, a dollar is all we are asking for,” he said. “Nearly 14 million children across the country are expected to wake up Christmas morning without one Christmas present. When I saw that statistic, it’s saddening. We are trying to change that.”
With reports of the shoulder being closer to playing state, and with O’Neal showing the ability to carry multiple toys with both arms – as which shoulder is injured is still a mystery – it looks like O’Neal could be suiting up for the Cavaliers this week. In the meantime, it’s great to see the big guy giving back to a community in need.
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(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1701 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
“Nearly 14 million children across the country are expected to wake up Christmas morning without one Christmas present. We are trying to change that.”
Wonder if that includes all the Muslim and Jewish children… will Shaq-a-Claus start proselytizing?
Kidding aside, nice work, Shaq. More millionaire athletes could afford to take note and follow his lead.
#1. Way to find fault with an of kindness.
Thanks, Shaq.
“Wonder if that includes all the Muslim and Jewish children”
haha, funniness
“#1. Way to find fault with an of kindness.”
Sorry. Humor not allowed. I’ll try to watch it next time around you, DCBucks.
I forgot to say all kidding aside. See, I get it.
[...] it appears that the team is being selfless with their spare hours off of the court. We mentioned the recent charity work of Cavaliers center Shaquille O’Neal yesterday afternoon. However, No. 33 was not the only [...]