Nelly and Ashanti Surprise St. Louis Kids With 100 Bicycles During Holiday Giveaway
Written by b87fm on 12/23/2025
Nelly and Ashanti partnered with Raising Cane’s to spread holiday cheer in his hometown of St. Louis, teaming up with wife Ashanti to donate 100 brand-new bicycles and helmets to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis.
The surprise giveaway took place on December 22, 2024, during the organization’s annual holiday party at its Adams Park location. The gym was transformed into a festive scene filled with rows of bikes wrapped in red ribbons, while families enjoyed holiday cookies, drinks, and Santa hats.
For Nelly and Ashanti, the moment was deeply personal. Ashanti is a former Boys & Girls Club member, and Nelly emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that shaped him.
“I think that’s every kid’s dream on Christmas, right? That’s what you dream about,” Nelly said. “I know what it’s like to wake up on Christmas and nothing is under the tree. That’s not hyperbole. That’s facts. To see their faces again—that’s what it’s about. Christmas is about the kids.”
Ashanti echoed the sentiment, calling the experience rewarding and emotional. “It’s just beautiful to see all the kids and all the excitement,” she said.
Brandon Williams, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis, highlighted the broader impact of moments like this.
“For us, it’s always important that we give our young people experiences,” Williams said. “Whether it’s mentorship, career readiness, or workforce development, having joyful moments like this helps kids understand that someone cares about them.”
During the event, Nelly and Ashanti personally handed out bikes, posed for photos with the children, and spoke with the media about the importance of mentorship and community investment.
The St. Louis giveaway was part of a larger national holiday initiative by Raising Cane’s, which distributed more than 2,500 bicycles across 25 cities to support local youth and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
