Shaquille O’Neal Helps Bring Joy, Toys to Watts Children
Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal donned a Santa hat Monday to bring Christmas cheer to hundreds of needy children in Watts.
“I was taught to do this by my parents,” said O’Neal, who handed out donated toys ranging from bicycles to basketballs at a community center where more than 800 children had lined up.
The visit was part of the 4th annual “Winter Holiday Celebration” sponsored by the Watts Labor Community Action Committee.
The event targets disadvantaged children who signed up through homeless assistance programs and public schools throughout South-Central Los Angeles, said Kevin Lewis, event coordinator.
The children were also treated to jazz played by the Locke High School band and a magic show.
They also played in three truckloads of snow transported from Bear Mountain.
“This is the first time I’ve seen snow,” said Oscar Melara, 9, before he went to roll snowballs.
“It’s a fun Christmas for me.”
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