Azeez Ojulari racked up six sacks in 11 games for the Giants this season, but he tackled something way more important before Christmas.
The Giants’ edge rusher teamed with the AMPT Group to host a Christmas Shopping Spree, Toy Drive and Holiday Party for the Boys & Girls Club of Newark for the fourth consecutive year.
“It’s amazing putting a smile on the kids’ faces,” Ojulari said. “Giving back has always been something I take pride in, because these kids are the future.”
First, three middle school students went on a Dec. 9 shopping spree with Ojulari at Walmart in Kearny, N.J.
The children picked out toys and winter clothing in preparation for the upcoming Boys & Girls Club of Newark holiday party. And Ojulari surprised each child at the end of their spree with a PlayStation 5, Beats headphones and a Turtle Beach headset.
Then on Dec. 16, Ojulari and AMPT joined the Boys & Girls club for their annual holiday party and distributed toys and winter clothes to more than 200 children.
The event included fun and interactive activities like gingerbread house making, Christmas carols, a Q&A session with Ojulari and more.
Nick Shafnisky, AMPT’s co-founder and CEO, said Ojulari’s enthusiasm and annual participation has helped grow an important initiative to give back to the community.
“This holiday season has been incredible, with over six events this month all aimed at getting professional athletes involved in their communities.
“Working with Azeez on this holiday initiative with the Boys & Girls Club of Newark every year since he entered the league has been extremely rewarding,” Shafnisky said. “It’s a blessing to help ensure the kids have a memorable holiday while giving them the opportunity to meet an athlete they look up to as a role model.”
Ojulari, 24, has been on injured reserve with a toe injury, but not being on the field hasn’t stopped him from contributing off the field.
“Being a role model to the kids and offering advice during these formative years is a blessing,” Ojulari said. “Together with AMPT’s support, we’ve been able to create these impactful moments that leave lasting impressions on these kids’ lives.”
AMPT stands for ‘Athletes Making Progress Together.’ The group works to bridge the gap between professional athletes and the community, aimed at driving mutual growth, social impact and profitability.
The goal is to provide people access to unique opportunities while empowering athletes to build their brands to a level that can create even more meaningful experiences and change.