MCDONOUGH, Ga. — You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, we're telling you why: Shaq-A-Clause came to town to bring gifts to kids and spread Christmas cheer for the 22nd year in a row!
Donning a custom Santa hat, the basketball superstar helped turn Wesley Lakes Elementary School in Henry County into a winter wonderland on Thursday, bringing toys, clothes and meals to students.
Shaq, who often shops for the toys and gifts himself, told crews that he believes every child deserves to experience holiday magic. But, Shaq said the annual event is one that he can't take credit for: his mother started the tradition.
When asked why he always does what his mother says: "One, you're supposed to," O'Neal said. "But I used to give my mother so much pain and heartache."
"People ask me why I stay out of trouble, my mother is an avid TV watcher. I wouldn't want to do nothing and it go across the screen and I feel like I'm letting her down," he added. "I'm not perfect, but I always try and keep on the straight and narrow."
Shaq hosts events like this all across the country, bringing gifts and fun to thousands of kids, drawing on his own upbringing of not having a lot around the holidays.