PBA’s Santa is coming to town

Not just one or two, but three gift giving activities for kids have been lined up by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as part of its outreach program for the Yuletide season.

Less fortunate children from three charitable institutions are the recipients of the "Tatlong Araw ng Pasko" a gift-giving activity set Dec. 21, 23 and 25.

For the past two weeks now, the league has been going the rounds and collecting old and new toys, books, clothes and other items from players, officials, PBA personnel and from its marketing partners.

The items will be given out to at least 60 kids from the Autism Society of the Philippines, Hope Street Foundation and the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan.

"They say Christmas is for kids. And the PBA is glad to be doing its own share to make the youngsters feel the spirit of the Yuletide season," said commissioner Noli Eala.

The ASP will be the first recipient of the project as 30 kids from the institution are scheduled to watch the league doubleheader on Dec. 21 between Talk ‘N Text and Barangay Ginebra and Alaska against San Miguel at the Astrodome.

Eala and selected PBA players will hand out the gift items during half-time of the game between the Pals and Kings.

Two days later, 20 kids from the Hope Street Foundation take their turn seeing in person their favorite players as Red Bull goes up against Coca-Cola and San Miguel takes on Talk ‘N Text in Friday’s twinbill also at the Astrodome.

Eala and several players are again expected to give out the items during halftime of the Red Bull-Coca-Cola match.

The kids will have the chance to participate in various in-venue activities during game time such as the blind-fold contest, tug-n-shoot and name-game.

Then on Christmas Day, 10 children from the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan get their chance to watch the game between Ginebra and Alaska live at the Astrodome.

Eala and the players will again preside over the gift giving activity at halftime, where the Enchanted Kingdom mascots are also invited to perform.