NBA Legend and Boys & Girls Club Alumnus Shaquille O'Neal Hosts "SHAQ-A-CLAUS" In Partnership With Boys & Girls Clubs of America

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Dec 15, 2014, 09:13 ET

ATLANTA, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Los Angeles Lakers Center, NBA legend and philanthropist Shaquille O'Neal will host SHAQ-A-CLAUS on Tuesday, December 16^th, 2014 at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greater Atlanta. As part of his longstanding dedication to advocating for youth development, the former All-Star has arranged for more than 200 kids to experience the ultimate holiday celebration and gifting experience.

"Every kid deserves a memorable holiday season," said the four-time NBA champion. "The Boys & Girls Club serves as a home away from home for young people who need encouragement. Although there are no chimneys involved, SHAQ-A-CLAUS is definitely coming to town."

Since 1992, the NBA All-star has showered thousands of at-risk youth with gifts during the holiday season. O'Neal, who is a Club alumnus, continues his long tradition of helping those in need. An estimated 200 pre-registered Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club members will receive a Jakks toy from Shaq-A-Claus, personal hygiene products from Feed the Children, lunch courtesy of Quiznos and entertainment from TNT characters.

"Shaquille O'Neal's support for Boys & Girls Clubs means so much to the kids who come through our doors each day," said Frank Sanchez, National Vice President, Sports and Entertainment. "We salute his extraordinary generosity and applaud him for always coming back home to spread hope and cheer." The Club enables young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Club appreciates the sponsors for their generosity and support of SHAQ-A-CLAUS.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in Boys & Girls Clubs of America-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook.

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SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America