76ers award Christy Rec Center kids with shopping spree for receiving good grades

Sixers player Montrezl Harrell made an appearance to help the kids pick out some cool kicks and threads.

Cory Sharber

February 1, 2023

Kids from the Christy Rec Center's "Degree Chasing" program were awarded $500 each to pick out what they wanted from the Snipes store at Roosevelt Mall on Jan. 31, 2023. (Cory Sharber/WHYY News)

The Philadelphia 76ers and Snipes provided a shopping spree for 10 kids from the Christy Rec Center Tuesday as a reward for their hard work in the classroom.

Sixers big man and former Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell helped the kids pick out some outfits, and took time to talk with them about everything from basketball to what video games he plays in his spare time.

A kid stares at a pink and white basketball shoe they are holding in front of them. — Kids from the Christy Rec Center’s “Degree Chasing” program were awarded $500 each to pick out what they wanted from the Snipes store at Roosevelt Mall on Jan. 31, 2023. (Cory Sharber/WHYY News)

Harrell said events like these are close to his heart, knowing the tough situations kids can be dealing with, and that it’s great to be giving back to the community.

“I had a couple of basketball questions they asked, but I also had one young fella show me his report card, and he’s making all A’s, so he’s already on the right track,” Harrell said.

Montrezl Harrell smiles as he stands with a group of kids. — Montrezl Harrell from the Philadelphia 76ers helped kids pick out clothes and helped out behind the register at Snipes at the Roosevelt Mall on Tuesday. (Cory Sharber/WHYY News)

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Students selected for the shopping spree had to make all A’s and B’s on their report cards in order to participate.

Gene Lett, Jr. helps run the Christy Rec Center’s “Degree Chasing” program, which helps kids “get off the street” through athletics and by teaching important life skills. Lett played point guard at Cheyney University and once had dreams of making it to the NBA, but said if he didn’t prioritize his academics, he wouldn’t be in the position he is now.

Two kids look at shirts that they've bought at the event. — Kids from the Christy Rec Center’s “Degree Chasing” program were awarded $500 each to pick out what they wanted from the Snipes store at Roosevelt Mall on Jan. 31, 2023. (Cory Sharber/WHYY News)

“If it wasn’t for me doing what I had to do in the classroom, I wouldn’t be in this predicament with these amazing kids,” Lett said. “I just want to give a shout out to my father, Gene Lett, Sr. He put all this together. He was a huge community activist. Without him, this isn’t possible.”

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The kids were awarded $500 to pick out anything in the store that had the latest Jordans and Nike Dunks on display. Some students walked out with Sixers hats and jackets.

An upclose photo of two white baseball hats emblazoned with the words "City of Brotherly Love." — Harrell even signed hats for some 76ers fans who couldn’t pass up the opportunity with the former Sixth Man of the Year. (Cory Sharber/WHYY News)

“For some people this could change their life,” Harrell said. “This could be one of the biggest points in one of these kids’ lives, man, so like I said, it’s just about coming back here, just being a part of it, it’s just a blessing for me to be a part.”

Montrezl Harrell speaks to a group of kids. — Sixers forward/center Montrezl Harrell took time Tuesday to speak with the kids about everything from basketball to what video games he’s playing off the court. (Cory Sharber/WHYY News)

Harrell had a quick turnaround following Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic.

The 76ers are currently third in the Eastern Conference and will be playing the Magic again at 7 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Wells Fargo Center.

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