By Josh Cohen
December 19, 2013
ORLANDO -- Glen Davis and Andrew Nicholson know a lot about the importance of teamwork. It’s preached to them every day by Jacque Vaughn and the entire Orlando Magic coaching staff.
Therefore, it was only fitting that the two Magic forwards got a chance to team up off the court and help 100 children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida pick out holiday gifts at a local Walmart in Orlando.
After receiving $100 gift cards courtesy of Davis’ foundation and PepsiCo, the children were accompanied on a shopping spree by Big Baby, Drew, Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, Magic Dancers and other volunteers. PepsiCo. also donated $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida to help support its programs.
“You really don’t know the effect you have on kids until you see them in person,” Davis said. “We’re here to spread love and Christmas spirit.”
Not only were Davis and Nicholson walking with the kids aisle by aisle, both were more than willing to give some gift-giving advice and test out some of the items to demonstrate how certain toys and gadgets worked. Big Baby even test-drove a children’s bike around the store to make sure it was functioning properly.
“This is a great time for them (the kids) to interact with us and have fun,” Davis added.
For 25 years, the Magic have contributed to hundreds of organizations throughout Central Florida to help assist in a variety of areas of need. And undoubtedly it is most gratifying and special during the holiday season.
Later today, Magic players Victor Oladipo, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris, Solomon Jones and other team representatives will partner with Florida Hospital to bring some holiday spirit to pediatric patients. They will deliver gifts, sign autographs and take pictures with many of their biggest young supporters. Vucevic will also donate $10k to Florida Hospital to assist with its pediatric healthcare needs.
“The DeVos Family has done a great job giving back and making sure we have an impact in the community,” Davis said.