Banchero and Caldwell-Pope host shopping spree for local Boys & Girls Clubs

ORLANDO, Fla. — Christmas came early for three Orlando based Boys & Girls Clubs. 

Before Santa Claus dropped off gifts, the Orlando Magic took 100 kids on a shopping spree at a Walmart near downtown Orlando on Dec. 20.

Each kid received $300 worth of gift-cards provided by Pepsi and Magic players Paolo Banchero and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

“Giving back to the Boys & Girls Club is important to me, because I grew up going to the Boys & Girls Club back home,” said Banchero. “Spent every day there pretty much through elementary and middle school. So, I know how important it is and how much things like this have on these kids’ lives.”

Caldwell-Pope said he also grew up going to Boys & Girls Club and said the event meant a lot to him.

“That’s how I met most of my friends growing up through the Boys & Girls Club,” said Caldwell-Pope. “That’s where I fell in love with basketball. So, a lot came from out of that.”

This was just one of many charitable events the Magic held during the holiday season.

The organization also delivered gifts to the AdventHealth Hospital for Children.

“Kids that are in the hospital around the holidays, it’s just heartbreaking,” said Ryan Devos, Magic vice president of shareholder engagement. “They can’t be with their family and friends and the celebrating the holidays. If we can come here and bring a little joy, it’s incredibly rewarding.”