Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz, Volunteers from the Hawks and Members of the Lady Hawks Distribute Gifts to Youth at Special School
Earlier today, Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz, volunteers from the Atlanta Hawks and members of the Lady Hawks came together to distribute gifts and spread holiday cheer to nearly 60 students at The Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free, private school for children who have experienced homelessness. The Lady Hawks are a women’s auxiliary group comprised of the wives, significant others and mothers of Hawks players, coaches, basketball operations staff and management. Joining the Hawks volunteers and the Lady Hawks to participate in the day’s festivities were members of Hawks Entertainment including Harry the Hawk and the ATL Hawks Dancers.
“Giving back in meaningful ways is a guiding principle for how we remain True to Atlanta and today, we hope that we created moments of joy for some of our city’s most-deserving youth,” said Gertz. “With help from our Hawks volunteers and the Lady Hawks, we hope we spread some cheer that they will cherish this holiday season.”
To kick off Hawks for the Holidays, an Angel Tree with ornaments was placed at the Hawks corporate office to encourage employees to adopt a student’s holiday wish list and sponsor their gift. The ornaments included the student’s name, age, clothing and shoe sizes as well as items on their wish list and their favorite color. Gifts purchased were placed into holiday bags, labeled with the students’ names and filled with mini gifts and treats. At today’s event, members of the Lady Hawks and Hawks volunteers presented the gifts they purchased for the respective student’s holiday wish list they adopted.
“Our students have had their share of hardships, but somehow always find a way to rise above them. For us, it was important to support their families and work with our community to make sure they had the best holiday we could give them,” said Dr. Leah Skinner, Head of School at The Boyce L. Ansley School. “Today the Hawks helped us do more than that. Students received gifts and memories that will last them a lifetime. Saying we are appreciative would be an understatement. Knowing that we have the support of our community behind us, not only gives us the resources needed to support our budding program, but also sends the message that it truly takes a village to support those in need and our village is strong!”
Today’s “Hawks for the Holidays” event is part of the Hawks’ Season of Giving initiatives, which tipped off with an event at Meals On Wheels Atlanta in November for a special pantry-stocking service event. The organization’s efforts continued, with help from UPS, in which more than 400 families were provided free Thanksgiving Day groceries at MARTA’s West End Station. Earlier this month, the Hawks and Georgia’s Own Credit Union teamed up with Vision To Learn to provide nearly 60 elementary school students with new prescription eyeglasses and vision screenings.
To learn more about the Hawks’ work in the community, visit Hawks.com/community.
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