Shop with a Bulldog seeks community support in bringing holiday joy to Athens children
Shop with a Bulldog (SWAB) is inviting the Athens community and Bulldog fans everywhere to help bring holiday joy to local children through its annual holiday shopping event and fundraising giveaway.
On November 8th University of Georgia student volunteers will come together with children from Athens-Clarke County for a special day of holiday shopping, friendship, and meaningful connections.
Using funds raised throughout the year, SWAB provides participating children with the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts alongside UGA student volunteers who dedicate their time to making the experience memorable.
However, for those who have witnessed the event firsthand, Shop with a Bulldog is about much more than Christmas presents.
"Having personally volunteered with Shop with a Bulldog, I can say that it is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been part of," said Juan Machado, a longtime SWAB volunteer. "Seeing the excitement on the children's faces, watching them build connections with UGA students, and realizing how much one day of kindness and personal attention can mean to a child is truly special. These are memories that stay with you, and hopefully with the children, for years to come."
Community Giveaway Features an Impressive Prize Package
As part of its 2026 fundraising efforts, Shop with a Bulldog is hosting its annual giveaway, offering supporters an opportunity to participate while helping make the holiday event possible.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community supporters, this year's giveaway features an extensive collection of prizes.
One winner will receive the entire prize package, including all of the following:
- UGA Athletics: Football signed by Georgia head coach Kirby Smart
- Zoo Atlanta: Four admission tickets
- Chick-fil-A: 50 free meal cards
- Kendra Scott: Juliette Necklace
- Lotus Yoga: One month of unlimited yoga
- Grillo's Pickles: Coupons and stickers
- Trader Joe's: Gift basket
- University Cinema: Two movie tickets
- Ted's Montana Grill: $50 in gift cards
- Georgia Aquarium: Two admission tickets
- Chicken Salad Chick: Free meal voucher
- Swank: $25 gift card and a candle
- La Parrilla: $200 gift card
- Willy's: Four free entrée cards
Unlike giveaways where participants compete for individual prizes, one winner will receive every item in the entire package.
Community members interested in entering can visit:
More Than Holiday Shopping: Building Connections That Last
For the Athens community, Shop with a Bulldog represents the power of volunteerism, generosity, and personal connections.
Each year, UGA students work to raise funds, organize the event, and dedicate their time to creating a positive experience for children from the surrounding community.
While the holiday gifts are an important part of the celebration, the experience itself often leaves an equally meaningful impression.
For participating children, spending a day with a college student who offers encouragement, friendship, and individual attention can create memories that extend well beyond the holiday season.
The experience also has a lasting impact on the volunteers.
"One of the things that makes Shop with a Bulldog so special is that you get to see the difference your time and effort make," Machado explained. "It's not just about giving a child a gift. It's about making that child feel special, valued, and cared for. Sometimes we underestimate how much a single day of kindness can mean to someone."
Every Contribution Helps Make the Holidays Brighter
SWAB encourages individuals, families, businesses, UGA alumni, and Georgia Bulldog fans to consider supporting its mission.
Those who prefer to contribute without participating in the giveaway can make a direct donation through the organization's official website:
Sharing the giveaway or donation links with friends, family, coworkers, and community groups is another valuable way to help raise awareness and support.
"As someone who has seen firsthand what this organization does for children in our Athens community, I sincerely hope people will consider getting involved," Machado added. "Whether it's entering the giveaway, making a donation, or simply sharing the information with others, every contribution matters. Together, we can help create an unforgettable holiday experience for these children."
Shop with a Bulldog's annual event is an opportunity for the Athens community to come together around a simple but powerful idea: A little generosity, kindness, and personal attention can make a lasting difference in a child's life.
How to Support Shop with a Bulldog
Enter the 2026 fundraising giveaway:
Make a direct donation or learn more:
About Shop with a Bulldog
SWAB is a 501 (c) 3 non profit at the University of Georgia in Athens operated by 150+ student volunteers who organize an annual Event Day for local Athens Elementary schoolers. Every year, UGA students sign up for Event Day, fundraise, then spend a Sunday in November with an Athens student, holiday shopping at Walmart with funds each UGA student raises.
Since 2009, our yearly Event Day has represented a way for UGA students to get involved with the Athens community and support local students directly through mentorship on Event Day. Even beyond this amazing support from UGA students, community truly is our bread and butter: SWAB is also community fundraised. Our internal operations are supported by hundreds of donors across Georgia and the US, allowing for SWAB to be independently run by an Executive Board of 22 students without any professional support.
