There was no shortage of smiles at the West Jordan Walmart on July 29 as Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks gave 23 local children an unforgettable back-to-school experience—complete with new outfits, school supplies, snacks, and heartfelt moments.
Partnering with Walmart and his own Hendricks Family Foundation, the rising NBA star treated kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake to a back-to-school shopping spree. Hendricks contributed $3,750, and Walmart donated $5,000 in gift cards to ensure every child had what they needed—and more.
“It means the world to me,” Hendricks said during the event. “Not a lot of kids are fortunate enough to be in that position where if they go in the store, they don’t have to worry about the price of anything. So for me to just have them experience that, it means the world.”
With Jazz Bear by his side and plenty of support from Walmart associates—including store manager Cody Backman—Hendricks didn’t just stand on the sidelines. He walked the aisles, helped the kids pick out supplies, and made sure each child left not only prepared for the school year but feeling seen and celebrated.
“Being able to come out here and interact with all these kids and be more on a personal level, it’s very important to me,” Hendricks said. “And I know it will touch their hearts as well.”
The store buzzed with energy as the children, armed with gift cards and shopping lists, excitedly picked out backpacks, notebooks, outfits, and shoes—with plenty of high-fives and laughter along the way.
“We just had a good time shopping with 23 kids out there from the community,” said Backman. “We look forward to working with the Utah Jazz and the Boys and Girls Club in the future.”
Walmart also kept the children energized with a generous spread of snacks and drinks, making sure the day felt as much like a celebration as it did a shopping trip.
For Hendricks, who’s only in his second year with the Jazz, giving back is just getting started.
“Something that is really important to me is giving back, so any opportunity I have to hold anything like this is something I’m going to take up,” he said. “I love hanging out with little kids. It makes me smile, seeing them smile.”
And if this event was any indication, his impact is already reaching far beyond the basketball court.
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