The franchise bused in 50 children from a local nonprofit called Vogel Alcove. The entire Dallas Mavs squad was in attendance, decked out in blue Santa hats, and they seemed honored to give back to some of the most at-risk kids in the community.
It was a celebration from start to finish with gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate for all, arts and crafts, wrapped presents and other thoughtfully designed touches to bring lots of holiday cheer.
“First, we got here, and we had a couple cookies,” Mavs guard Theo Pinson said. “I did not know there were edible markers, so that was something new today. But it was cool. We gave out some presents and took pictures. One of the little girls I had…she opened her present with a big smile. This is what this holiday is all about. It was dope.”
Each year the Mavs spend weeks shopping and assembling gifts to ensure every child from Vogel Alcove has the best holiday possible. Each child receives gifts worth about $250 in value.
Vogel Alcove provides programs and services to help homeless children and their families. For many of the kids, the toys they receive at the Cookies with Santa event are their primary presents this holiday season.
“It really puts things into perspective,” said new Dallas Mavs guard Kemba Walker, a four-time NBA All-Star and a former first-round pick.
“It’s not really about wins and losses all the time,” he added. “It’s about giving back to the community and, for me, being with my teammates. I’m new, but building camaraderie with these guys has been cool. I had a blast. The kids were really excited. It’s always cool to put smiles on kids’ faces, so today was that day for us.”
There are always special moments that stand out above the rest, and Tim Hardaway Jr.’s ability to quickly assemble children’s toy sets was definitely a highlight. He’s the type that doesn’t have to look at the directions and knows how to construct anything.
Another big moment occurred when Josh Green helped a little girl decked out in a bubblegum pink helmet learn how to ride her first bike. Then there was Reggie Bullock, who was tucked in one corner and stayed late to assemble a turquoise children’s castle with many pieces (repeat: many).
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić was excited to help a little girl open her gifts, and he later shot baskets and did soccer tricks with the kids.
Christian Wood seemed upbeat and happy to help all the children have the best time possible. He said the last few months in Dallas have been spectacular.
“I love Dallas; they’ve been treating me well. Everyone has been treating me well,” Wood said. “The fans have treated me well. This is one of the best groups of guys I’ve been around, and I’ve been on like seven teams. So this is one of the best teams I’ve been around in terms of culture, and I love it here.”
Mavericks players served cookies to the kids, and Santa read, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’ Each child also received a dental kit from Jefferson Dental and a personalized bag full of presents and necessities from the players.
Mavs center JaVale McGee said this was his happy place.
“It’s necessary, man,” McGee said. “I love giving back. I love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and giving them presents, and seeing them open them. It was special.”
As for favorite holiday memories? Walker said he’ll never forget the Christmas he finally got a PlayStation. “You might be on to something,” Pinson quipped back. “That’s the same thing for me.”
Wood said his best Christmas was getting his first cell phone. “I was about 14 (years old),” he laughed. “It was a Sidekick II.”
Later, McGee explained how the holidays are much different now that he can afford a better life for his loved ones.
“Just being around family is special,” McGee said. “I have better Christmas stories (now) because I can fly everyone out and have them at the house.”
He said events like Cookies with Santa ties a big bow on his return to Dallas.
“This is really what it’s all about,” McGee said.
As part of the NBA Cares Season of Giving league-wide campaign, Dallas Mavs players, coaches, and front office staff have hosted various events throughout the North Texas area and beyond this holiday season to brighten the lives of local families and youth. Thursday some players will make hospital visits. The Mavericks have been busy giving back to North Texas since the Season of Giving launched at Thanksgiving.
To learn more, visit: Mavs community.
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