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The Bright Side: Fanatics Donates $20 Million in Merch to Underserved Kids

Through a nationwide “Merch Madness” campaign, the licensed-sportswear retailer gave over 300,000 free pieces of apparel to kids in 30 cities.

Fanatics recently teamed up with celebrities and athletes to donate $20 million worth of merchandise through a series of nationwide “Merch Madness” events.

Held on June 27, this effort was the largest one-day charity campaign in merchandise giveaway history, according to FOX News. Employees handed out over 300,000 free pieces of licensed apparel, including jerseys, T-shirts and hoodies, to underserved kids in 30 cities across the U.S.

Fanatics employees giving away merch

More than 4,000 Fanatics employees gave away roughly $20 million worth of merch in various locations across the country. Fanatics Founder Michael Rubin shared this photo from the Harlem, NY, giveaway on his Twitter account.

Eli Manning, former quarterback and Super Bowl champion, helped spread the word and distribute merch. He told CBS News that he was happy to hand out Giants or even Patriots jerseys because of the joy on kids’ faces.

Fanatics Founder Michael Rubin told CBS News he wanted to focus on a single cause to make a substantial impact in each community. Over 4,000 Fanatics employees took a break from work to participate in the event.

“What an incredible day,” Rubin said on his Twitter. “I am humbled by the outpouring of support from our employees, team partners, athletes and friends who showed up all over the country to volunteer their time with us.”

Other prominent names, including Odell Beckham Jr., Tom Brady and DJ Khaled, attended the giveaway in Miami.

“It’s so special, man,” DJ Khaled told Fox News. “I want to thank Michael Rubin and Fanatics for doing this in Miami. This is my home, the city I represent. Anything to give back to the community, I’m going to show up, always. It’s just a beautiful thing to see the kids smile, laugh and have joy.”

Fanatics invited guests from the local Boys & Girls Club to attend the giveaway at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Children from the Frederick Douglass Academy in West Harlem were surprised by athletes and a huge haul of free clothing items. Over 100,000 families in need received free swag, and Rubin told Fox News they’re planning to expand the event next year.

“We’re going to make it even bigger and better,” Rubin said to Fox News. “I think next year we’re going to give away $100 million in merchandise, hit 1 million underserved families.”

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