The Philly Specials, led by Jason, Lane, and Jordan, have announced global partners, including retailers and toy companies, who have donated 200,000 age-appropriate toys, apparel, cosmetics, and more to assist in achieving Operation Snowball. This is their ambitious goal of delivering a gift to every student in the School District of Philadelphia in collaboration with The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia this December. 

With the release of their third and final holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party (Vera Y Records), currently sitting at #2 on Billboard’s Holiday Charts, the players decided “to do something that has never been done before for Philly’s public school students and truly embrace the spirit and magic of the season.” All proceeds from album sales support the citywide initiative as well as direct donations to The Fund for The School District of Philadelphia.

The initial idea for Operation Snowball was sparked by Jason Kelce wanting to do something that would reach an unprecedented number of youth. When children’s entertainment company Spin Master generously donated close to $1 million worth of toys to get the initiative (and snowball) rolling, Operation Snowball was born. Spin Master is best known for brands like PAW Patrol, Hatchimals, and Rubik’s Cube.

In addition to Spin Master, The Philly Specials are teaming up with the following global partners, toy companies and non-profits to realize Operation Snowball including:

• Just Play — a leading global toy manufacturer that delivers play for kids of all ages – from the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award Finalist furReal Peanut the Playful Monkey, to the magical phygital toy HOLOBRITE – as well as many other best-selling toys representing the world’s best entertainment brands. 
• Fanatics —  leading global digital sports platform who created exclusive merchandise for Operation Snowball.
• Jazwares — makers of Squishmallows, Bumbumz, & more.
• QVC –a world leader in live shoppable entertainment who made a financial donation to support this initiative
• Tarte Cosmetics – 25 years of female-founded, cruelty-free beauty infused with good-for-you ingredients & kindness.
• Toy Foundation – the nonprofit organization that unites the toy industry’s donations to bring the power and comfort of play to children when they need it most. It works with World Vision to distribute toys globally.
• Amazon Wondery / Amazon Local Good – Operation Snowball’s delivery and logistics partner who is managing the distribution of toys.
• WildBrain — global leader in kids’ and family entertainment who created the animated video for “It’s Christmas Time (in Cleveland Heights)” featuring Jason and Travis Kelce and Boyz II Men premiered 12/6.
• Five Below – a leading high-growth value retailer offering trend-right, high-quality products loved by tweens, teens and beyond.
• Wawa – the beloved Philadelphia convenience store donated coupons for hot chocolate to gift to every student.
• Shipmates and Zippy Shell — are offering additional delivery, shipping and logistics to help execute Operation Snowball.

Jason Kelce says:

When I first came to Philadelphia, it was apparent how much pride and joy, the sense of community and family that this city exudes. It’s the City of Brotherly Love, and this city has supported this initiative over the past two years.  We’ve done two Christmas albums and because of your support, we’ve raised over four million dollars and given to over fifty charitable organizations. And this year we are trying to go even bigger, we’re trying to give a gift to every kid in the Philly public schools this holiday season. If that’s not the holiday spirit, I don’t know what is. That’s the Philadelphia spirit that I’ve come to know, love, and appreciate.