What happens when an ordinary boy crosses paths with an extraordinary legend during the holiday season? This heartwarming story will leave you inspired and believing in the power of kindness.
It was a chilly December evening in 2013 when Shaquille O’Neal strolled through a bustling Los Angeles shopping mall. The NBA legend had always loved the festive spirit of Christmas, often using the season as an opportunity to spread joy to those around him. Known for his larger-than-life personality and even bigger heart, Shaq was always on the lookout for ways to brighten someone’s day. Little did he know, he was about to change the lives of two people forever.
At the same time, 11-year-old Jaden Harris stood nervously in the corner of a small toy shop, clutching a handful of crumpled dollar bills and coins. He had spent months saving every penny he could find, determined to buy his mother, Monica, the perfect Christmas gift. Monica was his rock—a single mother who worked tirelessly as a waitress during the day and a cleaner at night. She had done everything possible to ensure Jaden felt loved and cared for, even when money was tight. Despite their struggles, she always managed to fill their tiny apartment with warmth and laughter.
Jaden’s heart raced as he approached the glass display case, his eyes fixed on a snow globe his mother had admired weeks ago. It was a delicate piece with swirling glitter and a cozy winter scene inside. He had heard her whisper to herself, “Maybe someday,” as she gazed at it during one of their walks past the shop window. That someday was supposed to be today.
Carefully picking up the snow globe, Jaden made his way to the cashier. He placed it on the counter and began counting out his savings. “Seventeen… thirty-six,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. The cashier looked at him sympathetically. “I’m sorry, kid,” she said gently. “The price went up last week. It’s $22 now.”
Jaden’s stomach dropped. He fumbled in his pockets, pulling out a few more coins, but it still wasn’t enough. Fighting back tears, he mumbled a quiet thank you and turned to leave, clutching his small pile of money in defeat.
“Hey, little man!” a deep, familiar voice called out, stopping Jaden in his tracks. He turned around, his eyes widening in shock. Standing there, towering over everyone in the shop, was none other than Shaquille O’Neal. Even in a simple hoodie and sneakers, he was unmistakable.
“You trying to buy that snow globe?” Shaq asked, pointing at the item on the counter. Jaden nodded shyly. “It’s for my mom. She really liked it, but I don’t have enough money.”
Shaq’s face softened into a warm smile as he stepped forward, pulling out his wallet. “How about we fix that?” he said, handing the cashier a crisp $50 bill. “Keep the change and make sure this young man gets his snow globe.”
The cashier’s eyes widened in disbelief as she took the money. Jaden stood frozen, unable to process what had just happened. He finally managed to whisper, “Thank you.”
Shaq crouched down to meet Jaden’s gaze, his smile never fading. “You’re welcome, little man. Is your mom special to you?”
Jaden nodded vigorously. “She’s the best! She works so hard for me, and she loves Christmas, but we don’t usually have much to spend on gifts.”
Shaq’s expression grew thoughtful. “Sounds like she’s an amazing lady. What’s her name?”
“Monica,” Jaden replied softly.
“Well, Jaden, let’s make sure Monica has the best Christmas ever. You trust me?” Shaq asked.
Jaden hesitated but then nodded again. There was something about Shaq’s kind demeanor that made him feel safe. “All right,” Shaq said, standing to his full height. “Let’s find her something else she’ll love.”
For the next 20 minutes, Shaq and Jaden walked through the store together, browsing the aisles. Jaden couldn’t believe how friendly and down-to-earth Shaq was. The towering athlete asked questions about Monica—what she liked, what made her smile, and even about Jaden’s favorite things. Together, they picked out a soft, cozy scarf and a pair of warm slippers that Jaden thought his mom would adore.
As they approached the counter with the additional gifts, a small crowd began to gather. People recognized Shaq and started whispering excitedly, some pulling out their phones to snap photos. Shaq seemed unfazed, focused entirely on Jaden. He paid for the items and handed the bag to the boy, crouching down once more. “Now, when you give these to your mom,” Shaq said, his voice gentle, “make sure you tell her these gifts are from you and someone who thinks she’s doing an amazing job raising an incredible kid.”
Jaden’s eyes welled up with tears. “I will,” he whispered.
As Jaden Harris and Shaquille O’Neal stepped out into the crisp December evening, the sounds of holiday shoppers and carolers filled the air. Jaden clutched the bag containing the gifts they had picked out for Monica, still trying to process everything that had just happened. He couldn’t believe that a global icon like Shaq had not only helped him but seemed genuinely interested in making Christmas special for his mom.
As they walked toward Shaq’s sleek black SUV parked nearby, Jaden hesitated. “I should probably get home,” he said softly. “My mom gets worried if I’m late.”
Shaq crouched down to meet Jaden’s gaze, his tone gentle but reassuring. “Don’t worry, little man. I’ll get you home safe and sound. But before we do that, I’ve got an idea. You up for making today unforgettable for your mom?”
Jaden blinked, confused but intrigued. “What kind of idea?”
Shaq grinned, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “You’ll see! Hop in.”
Jaden climbed into the SUV, his nerves easing as Shaq chatted with him during the ride. The car wove through the city streets, finally stopping outside a small coffee shop. Shaq pulled out his phone and made a quick call, his voice low but animated. Jaden couldn’t catch the details, but whatever Shaq was planning sounded big.
After ending the call, Shaq turned to Jaden. “All right, here’s the deal. I’ve got some friends who can help us out. Your mom works so hard, right? And she gave up a lot to take care of you?”
Jaden nodded. “Yeah, she always wanted to be a teacher, but she couldn’t finish college. She says it’s okay, but I know she still wishes she could have done it.”
Shaq leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Teaching, huh? That’s a big dream. You know what? Let’s see if we can make that happen for her.”
Jaden’s jaw dropped. “How? College is really expensive!”
Shaq winked.
Shaquille O’Neal Surprises a Family at Home Depot; Buys Them a Washer and Dryer
Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he also may just be one of the greatest guys EVER. (Move on over Keanu Reeves.)
No stranger to philanthropic endeavors, Shaq is known for surprising his fans with some pretty spectacular random acts of kindness.
Including his latest; buying a washer and dryer for an unsuspecting family at Home Depot.
Shaq’s Random Act of Kindness at Home Depot
In a heartwarming moment captured on video and later shared on social media, Shaq comes navel-to-face with a woman and her mother in the plumbing aisle.
Stopping to chat with the duo, he asks them what they’re buying. The woman tells him they’re there to purchase a washer and dryer. “Okay, well I’m gonna pay for it,” Shaq responds.
At first, the mother is oblivious. She’s too busy telling the NBA legend that she’s from Venezuela to hear him. It isn’t until her daughter excitedly explains it to her in Spanish that the realization hits. But once it does, her reaction is priceless.
While her daughter can’t stop laughing, the mother grabs Shaq in a huge hug while simultaneously whipping out her phone for a selfie. “Bless you, bless you, bless you,” she tells him.
The trio head to the appliances where they meet up with the woman’s son and another family member, the mother blessing Shaq with a thousand blessings the entire time.
What Was Shaquille O’Neal Doing at Home Depot?
Shaq was at Home Depot to film a music video for his new song, “I Know I Got It,” released under his music name, DJ Diesel, and featuring Nitti.
In the video, Shaq dons the iconic orange Home Depot apron and walks around the store, showing off his rapping (and comedic) skills. He climbs a stepladder, towers over a refrigerator making it look like it belongs in Barbie’s dreamhouse, and attempts (and fails) to karate chop a piece of wood.
The video also features clips of the family that received the washer and dryer.
Additionally, the basketball star-turned-DJ Diesel jokingly references the “Home Depot Girl,” aka video content creator Ariana Josephine Cossie.
The 21-year-old blew up the internet earlier this month when she posted a picture of herself wearing her Home Depot employee apron on social media. After receiving several sexist comments, Shaq messaged her, encouraging her to ignore the haters.
And because haters gonna hate, he also assured fans that his message of encouragement was just that, writing:
“Shaq just uplifting people that’s what the diesel do baby I uplift people google me.”
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq’s Legacy of Giving Back
When he says he’s all about uplifting people, he’s not lying. Shaquille O’Neal’s philanthropic pursuits are legendary. Throughout his career and beyond, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly children and families facing adversity.
From founding the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, which focuses on at-risk youth and underserved communities, to personally funding college educations for deserving students, Shaq’s generosity knows no bounds.
He has also been actively involved in various charitable organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Stand Together Foundation.
Not to mention, his numerous random acts of kindness, including buying a family of 11 TWO new cars, paying for a fan’s engagement ring, and coming to the rescue of a teen with size 23 feet.
Using His Blessings to Bless Others
While Shaq may have been a legend on the basketball court, clearly he’s a legend off of it too.
He believes in the power of giving back, in big ways and in small. Although to him, it’s not giving back, it’s about doing what you’re supposed to do, helping those in need.
“I take pride in each and every day by just making one person smile, whether it’s one person or whether it’s a hundred people or whether it’s a thousand people.”
Shaquille O’Neal via People Magazine
And while we may not be able to fill his shoes, we can take a page out of his playbook and uplift as many people as we can.
