Philly Specials Spread Some Holiday Cheer, Students Over the Moon

This December, Operation Snowball is making the holiday season a little brighter for students in Philadelphia. Spearheaded by the musical members of the Philadelphia Eagles family, this initiative is delivering holiday gifts to every student in the region, thanks to the proceeds from the “Philly Special Christmas” albums and contributions from local partners.

A Heartwarming Gift for Every Student

At the heart of Operation Snowball is a massive community effort aimed at ensuring that no student in Philadelphia goes without a gift this holiday season. The initiative has garnered support from a number of Eagles players, including Jordan Mailata, Jason Kelce, and Lane Johnson, who turned their holiday albums into a way to give back. Through the sales of their Christmas albums, these beloved Eagles players have helped bring joy to thousands of students across the city.

Jordan Mailata was one of the players who took part in delivering that joy firsthand. He visited Kirkbride Elementary School in South Philadelphia, where he joined in the fun with a rousing performance of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” His powerful vocals were a surprise to many of the children, including 12-year-old Eli, who couldn’t believe his ears. “I had no idea that one guy could sing like that! That is crazy. I’m in the presence of an absolute legend,” said Eli, clearly awestruck by the Eagles’ tackle’s unexpected talent.

The Spirit of Giving: Eagles Players as Santa’s Helpers

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Philadelphia, thanks to the Eagles players who have used their musical talents to make this holiday season unforgettable. The Philly Specials Christmas Team—comprised of Mailata, Kelce, and Johnson—has worked tirelessly to ensure that gifts are delivered to students across the city. With proceeds from their Christmas albums going toward the cause, they’ve been able to extend their reach beyond just the football field.

Jason Kelce, known for his iconic performances and leadership on the field, shared a humorous moment with the children during the event, stating, “If regifting isn’t the spirit of Christmas, I don’t know what is!” As the Eagles players handed out gifts, their warm presence and playful banter brought laughter to every corner of the school.

A Community Effort: Partners Make it Happen

It’s not just the Eagles players who have made Operation Snowball a success. The initiative has received tremendous support from community partners, including Amazon. The effort was so massive that it involved a long motorcade filled with toys making its way to schools across South Philadelphia, Spring Garden, and North Philadelphia.

“Every single student. All 200,000,” said Katherine Epps, President and CEO of The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, highlighting the enormity of the project. Epps noted that raising enough money to ensure every student received a gift was an unprecedented task. “As someone who raises money for public education every single day, I can tell you, this has never been done before.” The scale of the effort made it clear that this was a community effort in every sense of the word.

The Joy of Giving: Smiles All Around

For the children, this holiday experience was nothing short of magical. One young student, Gael, shared how excited he was to pick out a gift for his brother. “I’m gonna give this to my brother because, because for Christmas,” he said, grinning ear to ear. His sentiment perfectly captured the spirit of the season—giving, sharing, and spreading joy.

The holidays in Philadelphia were made even more special for the students, as they got to choose their own presents, creating a personalized moment of joy. This massive operation ensured that every child received a gift, with some schools receiving a festive touch as Eagles players joined in the celebrations.

Philly Specials’ Lasting Impact

As Operation Snowball wraps up its holiday mission, it’s clear that the Philadelphia Eagles players have spread far more than just holiday cheer. Through their generous contributions and heartfelt involvement, they’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students. The initiative has not only brought joy to the children but has also fostered a deeper sense of community and connection, reminding everyone of the power of giving.

In a city known for its passionate sports fans, the Eagles players have proven that their influence extends well beyond the football field. Philly Specials have become more than just athletes—they are community leaders who use their platform to make a real difference in the lives of those around them. For these students, the memories of this holiday season will last long after the last gift has been unwrapped.