The holiday season brings with it the spirit of giving, family, and hope. For Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM), this season also means hosting our annual MAM Christmas Store, an event dedicated to supporting our families and bringing the true spirit of Christmas to life. Held on December 5th this year, this beloved tradition aims to serve 100 children, allowing parents and guardians to prepare a joyful Christmas for their kids.
A Memorable Experience for Families
The MAM Christmas Store is about so much more than simply giving gifts. This event provides parents with a unique experience that combines choice, dignity, and joy, all while reinforcing the importance of family. Each selected parent or guardian shops at Target with a gift card specifically allocated for their children. Shopping alongside our MAM staff, they have the freedom to pick out gifts that will not only bring joy but also speak directly to each child’s personality and interests.
While we recognize the thrill of receiving a gift, there’s an immeasurable joy in being able to choose the perfect gift for a loved one. With the support of MAM, parents and guardians experience this joy firsthand, enjoying a dignified and empowered Christmas shopping experience.
More Than Gifts: Sharing the Gospel and Strengthening Community
On the day of the event, we provide each family with a gift basket filled with essential household items and Bibles—thoughtful touches that go beyond the Christmas season. Families are invited to enjoy a warm meal together, fostering a spirit of community. But perhaps the most significant aspect of the day is the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that Christmas is a time to reflect on and celebrate the ultimate gift of Christ’s love. For us at MAM, the Christmas Store is more than a holiday event; it’s a joyful, God-honoring day that brings people closer together and closer to God’s message of love.
A Legacy of Generosity and Community Support
The Christmas Store has a rich history rooted in generosity, dating back to 2007 when former NBA player Damon Stoudamire first sponsored the event. With a Christmas gift of $400 for each child, Damon’s generosity supported 100 children from single-parent households, providing them with a holiday experience that might have otherwise been out of reach. His heart for single parents was the foundation of this annual outreach.
Rudy Gay, former Memphis Grizzlies player, and Grizz Girls pose with MAM families at the Christmas Store in 2008.
From 2008 to 2011, Rudy Gay continued the tradition, with support from Zach Randolph in 2011. Even as MAM transitioned to organizing the event without player sponsorship in 2012, Rudy’s contributions continued to resonate, as he contributed financially, and MAM raised the rest to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Since then, our dedicated staff, donors, and volunteers have taken up the mantle to keep this event going strong. Through their support, the MAM Christmas Store has continued to grow, now relying entirely on community fundraising efforts to maintain this cherished Christmas tradition.
Looking Ahead: Join Us in Making a Difference
The MAM Christmas Store continues to be a highlight of the holiday season. Year after year, it brings us closer to our families and strengthens our community bonds. Through this incredible event, we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and continue to share the love and joy that have made the MAM Christmas Store a treasured tradition.
As we prepare for this year’s Christmas Store, we are excited to welcome more families into this tradition and provide them with a meaningful holiday experience. Our hope is to serve 100 children, filling their homes with holiday cheer and sharing the love of Christ in a tangible way.
If you feel moved to be part of this special tradition, you can donate at mamsports.org/christmas. By supporting the MAM Christmas Store, you are joining a legacy of generosity and helping bring dignity, choice, and joy to Memphis families.
