*Visionary Sponsor - Five Below Foundation™*

Inside the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise

On Monday, December 22, inside the gymnasium at West Philadelphia High School, something powerful unfolded.

What began as boxes, tables, and volunteers quickly transformed into something much more—
a coordinated act of care, built by a community determined to show up for its families during one of the most meaningful times of the year.

This was the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise.

More Than a Holiday Event

For many families, the holiday season is meant to be filled with warmth and celebration.
But for others, it can bring added pressure—balancing the cost of food, gifts, and everyday essentials.

The Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise exists to ease that burden.

Now in its 15th year, the initiative ensures that families across Philadelphia can gather around the table with dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.

What It Looked Like in the Room

Inside the gym, there was a rhythm to the work.

Volunteers moved with purpose.
Students stepped into leadership roles.
Assembly lines formed as baskets were carefully prepared.

Each basket included:

A turkey
Fresh ingredients for a full holiday meal
Household essentials
Toys and gifts for children under 13

But what was being built wasn’t just a basket.

It was relief.
It was care.
It was the ability for a family to celebrate together.

Delivered Through Trusted Hands

A defining feature of this effort is how the baskets reach families.

Through 27 community partners, each basket was delivered directly to families already connected to trusted organizations across the city.

There were no long lines.
No barriers to access.

Just support—delivered with intention, respect, and care.

And for Malcolm Jenkins, the number 27 carries its own meaning—
a number he wore throughout his Super Bowl–winning career in the NFL, now reflected in the network of partners helping deliver impact off the field.

🎥 See the Impact in Action

Volunteers, students, and community partners come together to deliver meals, joy, and dignity to families across Philadelphia.

The Power of Partnership

This work is powered by collaboration.

With leadership from Visionary Sponsor, Five Below Foundation™ and support from Brown Family Shoprite, Chelten House, and a network of community organizations, schools, and volunteers, the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise reflects what is possible when people align around a shared purpose.

Each partner plays a role in ensuring families are not just served—but supported in ways that feel human and connected.

The Impact

In 2025, nearly 300 families were supported—reaching more than 800 children.

For many, the impact was immediate:

Meals prepared for the holiday
Gifts ready for children
Stress lifted during a critical moment

As one partner shared:

“Families were able to enjoy the holidays without the stress of wondering how they would provide a meal or gifts.”

Students Leading with Purpose

At the center of it all were West Philadelphia High School students.

Working alongside volunteers and partners, students helped assemble baskets, organize materials, and support distribution.

They weren’t just helping—they were leading.

And in that moment, service became something more:
a reflection of what it means to show up for your community.

Building Toward Something Bigger

As the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation continues its work, the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise remains part of a larger vision:

To expand access.
To strengthen families.
To invest in young people.

And to help empower one million young lives by 2040.

A Moment That Lasts

What happened on December 22 wasn’t just about a holiday meal.

It was about what that meal represents:

Stability
Care
Connection

It was about a community choosing to show up—
and making sure families felt it.

A Holiday Tradition Built on Care, Community, and Purpose