Story at a glance
- JuJu Smith-Schuster, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is known for his social media presence.
- In 2019, he established a nonprofit organization to support at-risk youth.
- This Christmas, the foundation paid off more than $25,000 in layaway expenses for families in need this holiday season.
You might know JuJu Smith-Schuster for dancing on opponents’ logos or even his Twitch streams. But what is perhaps less known about the young star is his Christmas spirit.
WATCH: @steelers WR @TeamJuJu and the @JuJuFoundation pay off over $25,000 in layaway expenses for families in need this holiday season. pic.twitter.com/Ndr6zKiaVa
— JuJu Foundation (@JuJuFoundation) December 18, 2020
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Before his team went on to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night, the wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers teamed up with Pay Away the Layaway volunteers for a drive-through event at Burlington Stores in Compton, Calif., and Pittsburgh.
“I am truly blessed to be able to give back to families in Pittsburgh and California during the holidays,” said Smith-Schuster, Chairman of the JuJu Foundation, in a statement. “We hope paying off these layaway balances will cause a sense of relief and lift the spirit of all of these families.”
In addition to paying off Christmas gifts and essential products for more than 170 families, Smith-Schuster partnered with Walmart to give more than $20,000 worth in Walmart gift cards to more than 200 Pittsburgh kids, surprising them with a virtual video message.
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“The partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and The JuJu Foundation continuously provides not only support in such a time of need for our youth, but also unforgettable opportunities and experiences for our members, 70% of which come from single parent households,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania’s CEO, Lisa Abel- Palmieri, in a release. “We thank JuJu and his team for bringing holiday cheer to our members and their families during such a difficult year.”
The Long Beach native of Samoan descent grew up in a big family himself and found a mentor in rapper Snoop Dogg’s youth football league. His foundation, dedicated to youth and “lifting the spirits of those in need,” has given to families in his hometown and Pittsburgh throughout this holiday season.
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