More than 70 students who have been receiving virtual school instruction at the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys & Girls Club (B&GC) participated in a special Christmas celebration on Friday, Dec. 4.
Students from the North Philadelphia neighborhood were surprised with mounds of Christmas presents, donated from Comcast NBCUniversal. The surprise donation, made possible thanks to a few of Santa’s elves, was broadcast live on NBC’s “Today” show along with an interview with Lisabeth Marziello, Co-President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, and student Zakir Johnson, also a Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year 2020, about how the club impacts the local community.
“These kids haven’t had the opportunity to be kids these past few months, and now that we’re in the holiday season, we want to remind them of the good things that happen in life,” said Lisabeth Marziello, co-CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.
Students were later treated to a “Best Christmas Ever” holiday party, centered around a socially distanced screening of the movie “Elf” throughout the club. American Movie Classics (AMC) and Comcast provided games and activities as well individualized packages of candy and treats.
All events were in accordance with social-distancing and other Covid-19 safe practices, as directed by the CDC.
The Shane Victorino Nicetown Club, which has been designated by the City of Philadelphia as a city Access Center, is also a Comcast Lift Zone. Free WiFi is provided by Comcast at Lift Zones throughout the country, including 33 in the Greater Philadelphia area, to help low-income students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework through these challenging times.
Check out the clip from the TODAY Show:
