
AP Photo// Shaquille O’Neal may look alarmed in this photo, but he still doesn’t mind helping out Toys for Tots.
When in doubt, bet on Shaq.
Future Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has signed on to help the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program this Christmas season, lending his considerable star power to an effort near and dear to this blogger’s heart.
The Cleveland Cavaliers center will be seen wearing a Santa hat on posters inside Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores, whose shoppers will be asked to donate new toys or money to support Toys for Tots’ mission of providing holiday gifts to millions of needy children.
O’Neal says he’s really just a big kid at heart and can’t imagine a child going without a toy to unwrap on Christmas. He says he hopes consumers will do the best they can to help, even in a tough economy.
Of course, if you’ve seen “Kazaam” or “Steel,” you already know that Shaq is a rather big fan of putting himself out there to make people laugh. I also picture him as a big fan of action figures, but maybe that’s just me.
One request: Would it be too much to have Shaq recreate this appearance from All-Star Weekend last year for Toys for Tots, except in a Santa suit?
We can all agree this would be a good idea, right?