NBA Star Taj Gibson Surprises 5th Graders with Cookie’s Shopping Spree

Video provided courtesy of ABC 7 New York

Though he now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Taj Gibson is a Brooklynite at heart, as shown by his surprise shopping spree on June 13 with a group of local elementary school students at Cookie’s Department Store in downtown Brooklyn.

The NBA star wanted to congratulate the students from PS 67 and treated 40 starstruck fifth-graders to new outfits for their upcoming graduation. “I grew up at Cookie’s. Growing up in Fort Greene, we were always shopping at Cookie’s, so I had to bring them here,” the 32-year-old power forward said while recalling his time at Charles A. Dorsey Elementary, which inspired his jersey number (he wears 67).

Principal Kyesha Jackson thanked Gibson, saying, “The students’ faces lit up when I told them that they were getting new suits and dresses for graduation, I wish I had a photographer there to capture that moment. It’s such a blessing to have Taj’s support, we greatly appreciate everything he does to support our school and our students, not just with this event, but all year round.”

Gibson, Jackson, and the students spent over an hour in the store, picking out a wide selection of suits and dresses, with shoes and accessories to match. Cookie’s Kids owner and co-founder Marvin Falack commented, “We’re a family business, and it means a lot to us that Taj wanted to give back to the community with such a generous gift. The students were thrilled, and we deeply appreciate his support.”

Minnesota Timeberwolves star Taj Gibson with Cookie’s co-owner Marvin Falack (L), and his son Vice President Al Falack (R).

Gibson with the Timberwolves. He wears #67 to honor his elementary school, PS 67. (Image: DunkingWithWolves.com)