One hundred Columbia kids are celebrating an early Christmas thanks to a hometown hero.
Despite the tough economic times, Columbia-native and NBA star Jermaine O'Neal is doing again what he has done for years during the holidays: putting smiles on a lot of young faces.
Angela Jones is happy to represent her NBA son who's giving back to a community that his mother says has given him so much.
"We think about the children and where we came from," said Jones. "And we want to give back to the neighborhood and the city. We want to come back and reach back."
O'Neal is donating $30,000 to 100 local kids. Each gets $300 to spend between Wal-Mart and Foot Action shoe store.
Friend and business manager Deddrick Faison says this experience creates memories that last a lifetime.
"They look so excited and I think sometimes they don't know what to do because there is so much going on," said Faison.
Mrs. Claus is also on hand making sure the kids have a very merry Christmas.
"I just thank God for using us during this time," said Jones.
In the end, the kids, with toys and other gifts in hand, loaded up to prepare for their next shopping adventure.
O'Neal's foundation teams up with the Columbia Housing Authority each year, choosing the children who participate in the shopping spree based on their grades.
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