Westbrook gives back more than gifts at holiday party for kids

Russell Westbrook tapped on the top of a black shoe box and smiled at the shy preteen at the Greater Urban League of Oklahoma City on Sunday.

“You’ve got to come over here to get it,” Westbrook said, still smiling. The nervous young girl finally relaxed, returned Westbrook’s smile, and walked over to get her new Jordan Brand shoes.

For the seventh consecutive year, Westbrook hosted a Christmas party for underprivileged children in Oklahoma City.

The event is a continuation of Westbrook’s community efforts through his Why Not? Foundation.

Each year, Westbrook and members of his family hand out gifts including shoes, T-shirts and backpacks.

To Westbrook, the interactions are the most important gift he can give — from putting kids at ease with a conversation, to fist-bumps, to sharing a laugh with his mother, Shannon Westbrook, after one particularly endearing moment.

A teenage girl held her hands over her face before timidly approaching Westbrook. As soon as she received her gift bag and Westbrook asked her how she was doing, she scurried off then blurted out “Oh my God he talked to me!”

“I think a lot of kids see that whether it’s myself or other celebrities and think that they’re different than them. We’re not,” Westbrook said. “I’m one of them. I’m a human being just like they are. I was one of those kids.

“If they get that feeling and feel like, ‘Well, Russ is normal just like us,’ they can do and achieve anything they want to do in life, and that’s the most important part about that.”

After receiving their gifts, the kids gathered in an auditorium where Westbrook came in to earsplitting applause. He stood in front of the group and wished the kids a happy holiday, and also told them to stay in school and stay out of trouble.

“Keep God first and your family first,” Westbrook closed with. He then stepped to the front row of kids to talk and give highfives before he was nearly rushed by those wanting to get closer to the Thunder star.

“Every year is special,” Westbrook said. “The biggest thing for me is each year it keeps getting bigger and keeps impacting more and more kids. That’s my whole thing. If I can impact one kid a day, that’s very impactful to me.”