Atlanta Hawks team up with nonprofit to deliver gifts to underserved youth

Earlier this month, on Dec. 18, the Atlanta Hawks held a holiday party with festive games, activities, and gifts for children and their families.

The event was in collaboration with Atlanta Housing and Santa for a Day, a non-religious nonprofit organization that answers letters to Santa from underserved children ages 5 to 12 living in public housing properties, according to a press release. This is the second holiday season that the Hawks and Santa for a Day have collaborated to provide gifts for underserved children.

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“We are so honored to once again collaborate with ‘Santa for a Day’ and Atlanta Housing to make wishes come true for some of Atlanta’s youth,” Hawks’ vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Basketball Programs Jon Babul said. “Through this event and with the help of our players and assistant coach, we have provided an unforgettable experience that youth in attendance will cherish forever.”

Several players attended the event – including Trent Forrest, Jalen Johnson, Vít Krejčí and Tyrese Martin – to provide 60 children with holiday gifts, necessities, and educational supplies. During the holiday season, Santa for a Day distributed more than 4,800 gifts to 2,500 children.

Aside from gifts, the event featured a photo station, a movie room and a game room. In addition, members of Hawks Entertainment, including Harry the Hawk and the ATL Hawks Dancers, were on hand.

“Working with the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Housing has been absolutely incredible, and I am so proud of the impact we’ve made together these last two years,” said Rich Gentile, founder of Santa for a Day. “Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces is what Christmas is all about, and the fact that we were able to spread that joy to 60 kids is amazing. I am extremely thankful for all of our wonderful donors, volunteers and partners that help our organization grant as many wishes as possible.”