Not only that, but Hardaway was also giving her a few gift cards worth over a thousand dollars.
It was a Christmas dream come true.
The Mavs poured out numerous similar surprises during a recent shopping spree hosted by four Mavericks players with families in great need. The families arrived from a nonprofit called Christian Community Action of Lewisville (CAA).
Hardaway Jr. was joined by his teammates Maxi Kleber, JaVale McGee and Dwight Powell. The foursome helped families shop for gifts at The Colony SCHEELS, an employee-owned sporting goods and entertainment retailer that recently agreed to a multi-year partnership with the Mavs.
“Just seeing the joy on their faces as they filled up their carts with toys is special,” McGee said. “Some got a bike. A lot was going on, but it was lovely. There was good holiday spirit tonight and I love it.”
SCHEELS aims to bring their brand to life with the Dallas Mavericks through unique and engaging in-store activations, like Mavs Madness next spring, entertaining game day promotions, and contributions to the revitalization of sports in the community. They will later help refurbish a court with the Mavs Foundation.
The holiday Shopping Spree is part of the Mavs Care and NBA Cares Season of Giving.
In addition, Powell and Hardaway Jr. donated $10,000 to Pay Away the Layaway, helping 100 families in North Texas pay off their holiday balances.
“This is the most important thing we can do,” Powell said. “We’re super-blessed to be in the opportunity we have and live the lives we lead. So to be able to give back to the community, especially during the holiday season, is the most important thing to me.”
Gilbert Montez is the president and CEO at Christian Community Action. He said the event was extraordinary, and he was thankful that SCHEELS and the Dallas Mavs brought Christmas joy to the families.
“What an exciting evening for our families,” said Montez. “Our five families left here in tears. They were tears of joy. Every child that left here had a great big smile on their face. It made our hearts leap for joy. It was just a great evening.”
He said the families were surprised when the Mavs arrived. They had no idea that the players would take time to shop and spend the evening with each family.
CAA is a faith-based organization that offers three programs to assist needy families and vulnerable populations: rescue, relief and restoration. Rescue services include rent and utility assistance for people facing a short-term crisis, such as a significant illness, unemployment or change to the family structure.
Some of the families that the Mavericks surprised this year didn’t have a home one year ago. So, having their total holiday spending paid for was a gift no one expected.
Montez said it’s about more than just presents. The shopping spree showed the families how much they are loved and cared for by many people. SCHEELS has partnered with CAA for the last couple of years since they opened.
Powell said the main highlight for him was the energy from the kids.
“They were just so excited to show everything to their family,” he said. “They were shopping and got things like shoes and coats for the winter. There’s nothing like it to see the smiles on their faces.”
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