Mercy Chefs Partners with Shaq for Annual Shaq-a-Claus Event

ATLANTA, GA — This past Christmas, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal partnered with Mercy Chefs to spread holiday cheer in a special way. Through his Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, Shaq hosted his 23rd annual “Shaq-a-Claus” event at Wesley Lakes Elementary School in McDonough, GA. Over 600 kids from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade received toys, coats, bikes, and other essentials. In addition to these gifts, every child received a hot, chef-prepared meal provided by Mercy Chefs.

Shaq has hosted this event for over 20 years and credits his mother for inspiring the idea. Her generosity and passion for serving children in need motivated Shaq to give back to his community.

Shaq told local newspaper, Smoke Signals: “If I controlled the world, every kid in the world would wake up with five to 10 toys. But five to 10 million kids will wake up on Christmas and not receive one toy. And I know how that feels.”

Having experienced several Christmas mornings without any presents, Shaq knows how much it means to these children to receive toys and hot meals. Donning a red Santa hat and a wide smile, he said, “I just want them to be happy.”

Similarly, Mercy Chefs is dedicated to bringing joy to families facing hardship. Through every delicious and nutritious meal served, Mercy Chefs is honored to spread love and comfort. The organization’s chefs were excited to prepare a holiday feast for all children at Wesley Lakes Elementary School.

Mercy Chefs is deeply grateful to the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, the Wesley Lakes Elementary staff, and all of the partners for making this beautiful event possible.

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