Shrimp and Gifts is giving Baltimore kids the Christmas they deserve

BALTIMORE — Nearly 200 Baltimore students were smiling from ear to ear after attending the shopping spree and party of their lives Tuesday night.

The 6th annual Shrimp and Gifts event was held at Walmart, and offered pre-selected students from several different schools and organizations a $200 gift card to go shopping.

“I’m buying this for me and the Lego set for my little cousin,” Keaton Adams said, pointing to the items in his shopping cart.

“Right now I only have LED lights,” Ethan Payton said.

But that was only the beginning of the surprises. The children were picked up on party buses donated by DTS Transportation and Executive CLS. When they arrived at Walmart, they entered a store transformed into Whoville for a Grinch-themed party.

The kids were treated to a dance party, food donated by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and The Iron Rooster, as well as free Nike shoes donated by DTLR and several giveaways from Walmart.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was Ravens stars Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely and Beau Brade, who came to shop with them, as well as Maryland football star Dante Trader, who is currently training for the upcoming NFL Draft.

“I’ve never gone shopping with a football star before,” Payton said.

“December is the season of giving,” Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely said. “So, I just give them my time, I give them a smile. I try to show them that there are better days.”

Help from some sponsors

WJZ was the proud media sponsor alongside Walmart and their local team led by Jaquetta Bratley, Bank of America, Jimmy’s Seafood, The Famous Fund, The Iron Rooster and more.

Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Bank of America and ProMD Health were corporate sponsors.

The Baltimore Graphics company donated the dance floor, which is always a hit with the kids.

Under Armor donated t-shirts.

“It’s great to come and see the kids experience the love and joy at Christmas,” said Derrick Smith of Coca-Cola.

“They don’t always grab toys,” said Pepsi’s Sonni Boyce. “They grab things so they can make their families happy, too.”

Shrimp Growth and Gifts

Organizers say the event has exploded over the years. It started in 2018 with about 25 students crowded into a break room and given $50 to go shopping.

Now, nearly 200 students have lined the aisles of Walmart to find the perfect gifts.

“I bought these candles for my mom because she loves candles,” Brielle Colvin said.

“Most of these kids end up shopping for their family, not for themselves,” said John Minadakis, co-owner of Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. “Every child deserves a Christmas and we are just doing our part to come together and help make that happen. We will always be here for Baltimore.”

“This is a special event that we are honored to be a part of,” added Kyle Rooster, owner of The Iron Rooster. “There’s no better feeling than giving back to the community and watching these kids have fun. The businesses here tonight are still a presence in the community and we’re just happy to be a part of the magic.”