$400 Million Worth Shaquille O’Neal Saves Holiday Season for Underprivileged With New Big Chicken Initiative

He’s only missing the red suit and hat, but Shaquille O’Neal is nothing short of Santa Claus. The holiday season is special to the big man who seizes every opportunity to be generous. The sandwich-loving do-gooder is involving fans through his Big Chicken empire to spread some smiles for the season.

Like with everything Shaq does, he’s served as an inspiration to the Big Chicken operator, Steve Christensen in Arizona, to spread some holiday joy. The newly opened Big Chicken Shaq restaurant in Gilbert, Arizona, has announced its latest initiative for the holidays involving the community.

It’s appealed to locals to contribute towards the toy collection drive hosted from November 29 through December 12. The drive is to benefit the local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club, an organization very dear to Shaquille O’Neal.

Big Chicken customers are invited to donate toward the youth members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. The drive requests sports equipment and team gear, LEGOS/building kits, dolls and their accessories, craft kits, non-toxic art supplies, board games, remote control toys with batteries, headphones and wireless speakers, table-top game toys, jewelry/accessories, and makeup kits.

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The Gilbert location opened in March this year, catering to the Mullet Arena patrons. “At Big Chicken, we believe in the power of community and the joy that comes from spreading kindness along with big fun,” said franchisee, Christensen. He launched the toy collection drive inspired by Shaq and his recent work with the Boys & Girls Club.

Shaq gears up for the holidays

Back in October, the BGC national spokesperson hosted The Event, the third edition of his annual fundraiser for his eponymous foundation. The foundation and this gala support the Boys & Girls Club. Shaq himself contributed at least $20,000 to the fundraiser, treating his mother to the VIP experience.

He’s launched Comebaq Court under the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation. The program refurbished community sports facilities across the country. He reopened the South L.A. court of BGC ahead of Thanksgiving and gifted the young members Reeboks sneakers.

O’Neal likes to spend the holidays in a low-key setting and “feed homeless families.” At the South LA Comebaq Court event, he said, “If we can help one, if we can help 100, we can help ’em all.” It’s something the folks at Big Chicken are furthering this holiday season too.

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