HAMILTON —  It was an exciting Friday morning  at Dick's Sporting Goods in Hamilton for some Riverview Elementary School students who not only got money to shop for their siblings but to shop for themselves. It’s all thanks to the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. 

What You Need To Know

  • On Friday, Dec. 17, 19 students from Riverview Elementary School went on a surprise shopping spree

  • Not only did the kids get the chance to shop for themselves, but for their siblings as well

  • It was all made possible by the Anthony Muñoz Foundation

  • The foundation focuses on empowering youth mentally, physically and spiritually

Hamilton High School student Alan Almaguer agreed to help out with the students on Friday. When he first arrived at the store, he was under the impression he would be assisting the elementary school students to find items. But he was surprised to find out that he and other students got money to shop for themselves and their siblings.

“I wasn’t expecting it really, so it’s nice,” said Almaguer. “I appreciate what he’s doing.”

Hoodies and sweatpants are at the top of his Christmas list. And now with some extra money, he’s excited to buy as many as he wants.

“I was looking at the orange one, but I don’t think it’s in my size,” he said. 

Soccer cleats are a must-have for his younger brothers, and he made sure to get a pair for both of them. 

“I think he’s [his brother] going to be happy because he doesn’t even know,” he said. “So I think he’s going to like them.”

In addition to the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, the shopping spree this year was made possible by the its sponsors and partner organizations. The foundation focuses on empowering youth mentally, physically and spiritually. The Hall of Fame football player and Bengals legend doesn't miss a chance to help out, especially during the holidays.

“It’s great that we have the opportunity to be a part of these young men and women’s Christmas here and being able to take them shopping,” said Muñoz.

Almaguer has been a part of the Anthony Muñoz Foundation for five years now. He’s attended many of its camps and activities. And he’s so grateful to have the opportunity now to shop for his family.

“I really appreciate it,” he said. “He’s helped my family a lot, but I really appreciate this — allowing me to get stuff for me and my brothers.”

After buying all the Christmas gifts, Almaguer was filled with gratitude and joy and says he's looking forward to spreading the holiday spirit with his family.

“I’m very excited to see the look on their faces to see how happy they’re going to get when they see this,” he said. 

For more information about the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, click here. 

Related Stories