Be it philanthropy or kind gestures, we see many celebrities come forward to help those who are in need. But it’s rare to see a celebrity connect with people like Shaq does. After delighting two teens from Saxonburg with a sweet surprise, the NBA legend had to rush for his business in the Country of Suns. Apart from business, he also did some good work that brought 500 kids to tears.

Mexico is one of the places that Shaquille O’Neal likes to visit. And he is back there to promote his line of merchandise, including sneakers, which can now be bought online. But first, he traveled to Ecatepec to donate 500 pairs of athletic shoes to needy children.

“I went to this city (Ecatepec) and many kids knew who I was, even though I haven’t played since 2011. The fact that the kids still know what I’ve done amazes me, as there aren’t many great players still playing right now. But being here with all of them doing incredible things, making a difference by giving shoes to 500 kids who started crying when they saw me – that’s special,” the Los Angeles Lakers legend said about his experience.

That moment and the experience of seeing the children smiling with tears in their eyes remained etched in O’Neal’s heart. He said was surprised to see how young kids recognized him despite it has been a decade since he retired. He spent a good portion of his teenage years in San Antonio. He is very well aware of the food and culture of the Hispanic community.

Not just his younger days, the Lakers legend has several memories of Mexico City from his playing days as well. He also recalled another iconic incident from the NBA Slam Dunk contest when Jaime Jaquez Jr. jumped over him.

Shaquille O’Neal gave a surprise to the Saxonburg teen

The 4x NBA champ has created several wonderful moments that remain with fans. After a teen, Jackson McCool, gave a shoutout to O’Neal’s newest collaboration creation, Shaq-a-licious, the Lakers legend came up with a great idea to return the love. These special gummies were made in collaboration with the confectionery brand Hershey’s.

So, he joined hands with the brand and arranged a limo for McCool and his date, Alyssa. In McCool’s tweet, he had asked Alyssa to be his date for homecoming while tagging both O’Neal and the brand’s official Instagram page.

Not only that, but he had also prepared 100 packets of Shaq-a-licious gummies for all the kids attending homecoming. O’Neal continues to do such kind gestures. Even when speaking of Mexico, he shared how it’s the people and their love for him that keeps bringing him back.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger