Jordan Karlesson
The word “big” applies to Shaquille O’Neal in every way. The size of his heart and generosity of spirit are no exception.
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Now a retired basketball legend, Shaquille O’Neal likes to make a kid’s day — every day.
“I try to make every day a meaningful moment for a fan, and especially a kid,” he recently told People.
In the new interview, published Thursday, Shaquille O’Neal mentioned that he just gave two bikes and two scooters to kids.
“My favorite thing to do is when I’m in Best Buy, Walmart, if I see a kid, get them something that I see he’s looking at,” Shaq said.
But, lest anyone think he just doles out gifts to kids willy nilly, he was quick to clarify.
“Well, first I always tell them to ask their parents if they’re going to take things from strangers,” he explained. “You don’t want kids to get used to having a stranger come up and say, ‘Hey, I got a whole lot of money. Can I buy you something?’ “
Beyond helping children, Shaquille O’Neal recalled giving a plate of food to a homeless woman outside a restaurant in Texas. After footage of the exchange went viral, the woman’s sister showed up at the restaurant saying she didn’t know her sister’s whereabouts until she heard about Shaq’s good deed.
“When I do stuff like that, I never record it,” he added.
Shaquille O’Neal: A Monster Benefactor — And A Monster On The Court
Fans of Shaquille O’Neal may recall that, about five years ago, he bought new furniture for the same reason. He gave it to the family of a 5-year-old Atlanta girl who survived a dog attack that left another child dead.
Shaquille O’Neal is a national spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In 2019, he created The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, which helps underserved youth.
Standing at an imposing 7 feet and 1 inch tall, Shaquille O’Neal played in the NBA from 1992 till 2011. In addition to the Lakers, he was a member of the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
Shaq received numerous trophies throughout his career — for NBA MVP, Rookie of the Year, NBA Finals MVP and more. Additionally, he earned the 2005 BET Sportsman of the Year honor and a 2022 Academy Award for executive producing the documentary short film The Queen of Basketball.
Both the Lakers and the Heat retired his number — 34 for L.A. and 32 for Miami.
Bless me cause I’m homeless sleeping in my car at the moment
My granddaughter has a natural born talent for horse riding and is learning to jump. The pony she is riding will be too small for her next year. I am retired and can’t afford to get her a horse of her own. When we go to shows we have to lease the pony and pay for the transportation.
She is keeping her grades up so she can continue to take lessons and show.
It sure would be nice if her dream could come true and have her own.
Would you please bless my child’s mother with a vehicle we’re not together anymore but she’s a good person 3 children and she works 12 to 16 hour days 6 days a week she’s Ben through 3 cars in less than a year because she can only afford cheap ones and I promise she gives this world all she gets every day and she’s not a picky person at all it can be used just dependable please sir and thank you
Thank you for helping out kids and doing this not many famous people would do this now a days!
My son look just like Shag twin people always coming up to him thinking it Shaguille
Can u contact me 6053411325? In order to help a 2,year old keep a roof over him and a vehicle? Thank you! Margaret
Thanks for helping everyone. I never ask for help but my mom is 91 and in Grace Manor assisted living in Lakeland north my sister was an attorney she actually meet with you a few times in Orlando. She has passed away and her sufficient other was to take care of my mom but he notified me he will not be paying anymore I need help to keep her there . I am at a loss and desperate. I applied for medicade for her but they say it could take up to 6 months.
Desperate
Shaw always have admired you love your co
mmercials.
WOW–YOU ARE DOING GOD’S WORK HERE ON EARTH. COULD I PUT IN A REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE WITH PURCHASING A HOME. A VERY MODEST HOME FOR MY SON. HE WORKS TIRELESSLY AND CAN;T SEEM TO SAVE ENOUGH FOR A HOME ON HIS INCOME WITH PRICES SKY ROCKETING. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. LOVE YOU.
I would just love to meet Shaquille Not asking for anything but to have a nice lunch date that maybe I can treat him to. He does so much for our communities that I would just love to give back to him . Or just a phone call to call me would make me happy. Maybe one day we can meet and have a luncheon or something
You make this world a better place! Thank you!
Shaq please bless me financially in how much amount you desire. I will surely be thankful and will graciously accept it
Bless me so I can bless others
If you are in a position to help someone bless them so you will receive even more blessing from the man above. I just need to get a good blessing so I can bless my family