Golden State Warriors stars Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes brightened the lives of Bay Area youth on Friday, December 19 by each treating local Bay Area youth to shopping sprees to fulfill their wish lists this holiday season.
Thompson, who received the NBA’s Community Assist Award for the Month of November for his efforts to give back to the community, continued his generous ways in December by partnering with the Good Tidings Foundation to take a sixth-grade class from Palo Alto’s Eastside Prep to Talbots Toyland in San Mateo to purchase toys for each to enjoy and share with loved ones and friends.
“It’s great to be here to make the holiday season special and exciting for these kids,” said Thompson.
While the kids danced through the aisles to choose their new holiday presents, Thompson walked through each aisle of the store to share the children’s’ excitement and help them choose fun new items for themselves and others.
After the shopping spree, Thompson treated the ecstatic group of boys and girls to a holiday meal, where the group could reflect on their good fortune this holiday season and what they each look forward to in the New Year.
"Seeing the smiles on their faces and spending time with them are what Christmas and the holidays are about," said Thompson. "It feels great to give back."
Later that day, Warriors forward Harrison Barnes treated 15 deserving Bay Area boys and girls in need this holiday season to a shopping spree at the adidas Sport Performance Store in the Westfield San Francisco Centre. Barnes provided each child with $500 to shop for new top-of-the line shoes, clothes and trendy gear for themselves and their loved ones.
"It's great to put on this event for the third year and make these kids’ wishes come true this year," said Barnes.
Each participating child was a winner of the Holidays With Harrison essay and video contest held during the month of December, the third year in a row Barnes has held this event for Bay Area youth. Barnes personally selected each child whose personal story touched him and found deserving of a special holiday experience.
"This is the best Christmas present I ever got," said 8-year-old Jeremiah. "I got everything I wanted for me and clothes for my mom and dad too."
After the shopping spree, the students shuttled over to the Warriors Practice Facility in Oakland, where Barnes came to surprise the children and wish them a Happy Holidays.
"I'm very thankful that my son had the opportunity to get everything on his Christmas list, and was able to meet his favorite player tonight," said Marie Garcia. "This entire experience made his year."
These shopping sprees were part of the Warriors Plays for the Holidays community outreach initiative and the NBA Cares Season of Giving campaign to help brighten the lives of local families and youth in the Bay Area. As part of the Warriors Plays for the Holidays initiative, each Warriors player and coach will participate in at least one event this holiday season to give back to families and youth in the Bay Area.