Houston Rockets starting center, Vince Wilfork, goes on a shopping spree at the Meyerland Plaza JCPenney store.

As November came to a close and we crawled out of our turkey-induced comas last week, VP+C was able to keep the spirit of reflection, gratitude and thanks alive thanks to JCPenney’s cross-country #GivingTuesday events. Members of our team flew to cities from Phoenix to Miami to bring local Boy & Girls Clubs chapters into stores for a holiday shopping spree, with each kid receiving a $100 gift card to purchase presents for their families. In each location, hometown NFL and NBA stars made guest appearances, surprising and delighting the recipients.

We were absolutely awed by the athletes who generously gave their time to shop with the kids in each of eleven cities, sniffing perfumes to find the perfect scent for mom, advising on the best pajamas for dad, and selecting headphones and stuffed animals for siblings. While chaperones, store associates and kids alike were star-stuck (including us, admittedly), it was humbling to recognize that – for some of the kids – this was their first time buying their families a gift, visiting a mall or even riding an escalator.

We are so glad to have met each and every one of the kids from the participating Boys & Girls Club chapters and we wish them a warm and happy holiday season, surrounded by loved ones. Happy holidays, everyone!

Tony Jefferson of the Arizona Cardinals poses with the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix

Joe Jonas gives a $100,000 check to the Boys & Girls Club on behalf of JCPenney

Hometown hero, Travis Kelce, of the Kansas City Chiefs teams up with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City.