Russell Westbrook became a member of the Washington Wizards early in December following a trade with the Houston Rockets. He is already making an impact in his new community and is kicking off the holiday season with a multitude of donations. Westbrook recently gave away his signature shoes, masks and backpacks to nearly 300 students.
The NBA star partnered with The Children’s Guild D.C. Public Charter School in order to make the giveaway possible. They held the drive-thru event on Monday and delighted kids ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. Westbrook personally handed out the gifts while wearing a face mask, Santa hat and gloves. He also took socially-distanced selfies with fans to make the day even more special.
Videos by PopCulture.com
“It is very important not just to come to a new place but to show that you actually care about a community,” Westbrook said about the giveaway. “Because where I grew up, living in the city, being able to wake up on Christmas morning and be able to have a gift or a new pair of shoes or backpacks or whatever it was โ you would be blessed to be able to have that.”
When the NBA fans heard about the holiday event, they responded with a large number of comments. Many fans of the Rockets said that they will miss Westbrook and his community events. Others said that they are excited to see the NBA star “already winning” prior to the start of the season.
โ
This is why everyone loves Russ
โ Adi (10-4) (@Adi04123) December 22, 2020
HOLY W WESTBROOKโค๏ธ๐
โ Official๐งโโ๏ธ(0-0) And (9-5) (@Officialj0nn) December 22, 2020
โ
Russ has a bigger heart than any other player in the NBA….both on and off the court….keep being a great person and never change…๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐
โ Radek (@Radek36667979) December 22, 2020
Get use to is DC….. this is who he is! He will randomly pop his head in random schools, randomly show up at grocery stores the help folks . This dude is built different! He will always have a key to the state of Oklahoma
โ Dustin (@oudustin18) December 22, 2020
โ
How can yโall ever slander this man on or off the court? Full throttle every time
โ – (@1stgreatkhan) December 22, 2020
@russwest44 welcome to DC the story I heard about grabbing the rooks along is so great. Keep inspiring the youth and be a great teammate. So excited for this season ๐๐
โ Scott Speed (@speedicus9) December 22, 2020
โ
Welcome to DC to you and your beautiful family, Mr. Westbrook!I am excited that you are here. Thank you for giving back to our community already! Happy holidays! ๐๐
โ Pamela Thompson (@pamelat360) December 22, 2020
Thats whats up man!!! Really glad to see you didnt waist any time giving to your new community!!!! Welcome to the DMV my man!!!!!
โ Wayne Pereschuk (@PereschukWayne) December 22, 2020
โ
Better player, goat person
โ Betty Sue (@belyjedorogi) December 22, 2020
If basketball had an award like The Walter Payton Man of the Year…yours for sure. Keep up the great work.
โ Kim E White (@kimewhite60) December 22, 2020
โ
I knew you would do great things when you got to my city. Looking forward to cheering you on!
โ Alton Wilson (@TrueRealtor1) December 22, 2020
Doesnโt matter the city/state your generosity always shines. Love the Westbrooks. ๐๐งก
โ Karen (@aheartidol) December 22, 2020
โ
Talk about Santa Claus is coming to town…
โ backboard247 (@backboard247) December 22, 2020
why not? #Westbrook
Love to see it
โ Melli (@YellowpinkW) December 22, 2020