Shaquille O'Neal has big plans for his annual Shaq-a-claus event this year. The former professional basketball player spoke to TMZ Sports and revealed that he is planning to take Shaq-a-claus to over 50 states in the future. Over the years, some of the places Shaquille had hosted Shaq-a-claus include L.A., Las Vegas, Atlanta, New Jersey, and Boston.This is the 24th time Shaquille O'Neal has hosted Shaq-a-claus. During a session with Courtney and Babcock on TMZ Live, O'Neal was in Georgia, where he was giving hundreds of children an ultimate holiday experience, topped off with several gifts.Shaq-a-Claus officially began in 1997, and according to its website. It is described as:"Since 1997, Shaq-a-Claus has provided tens of thousands of toys, clothing, meals and more to underprivileged youth across the country. Hosted annually, this program has assisted children in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, and New Jersey, among other places."Shaquille O'Neal shares how Shaq-a-claus beganDuring an interview with TMZ Live, Shaquille O'Neal began by thanking all of the sponsors who have made the event a success over the years. The initiative began because of Shaquille's mother back in 1992. The Hall of Famer shared:"This was her idea, I'm thinking, 1992. She wanted to hand out some toys to 5000 kids, and I told her she can do that. So, me and a couple of friends... we just went and got a U-Haul truck, and we just pack it up with toys, and that's how Shaq-a-claus started."He continued to appreciate the efforts of those who helped him, instead of taking all the credit for the wonderful gesture. Shaquille was with his friend and partner, Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett, who also spoke about how Shaq-a-claus means "a great deal" for them because at one point in time, Shaq and he were one of those children.Sheriff Scandrett continued to say:"This is called the law of reciprocity, as you give, it should be given back to you, and it's very important that we do that. We want to enforce folk in the community to do the same thing."Shaquille also revealed why he chose certain locations by saying:"I always try to do it in communities where people see me. I'm a regular guy who do regular stuff, you know, people see me all the time. It's my mission to have a 50-state Shaq-a-thon. I want to get 50 of biggest friends and they just take care of where they're from."The former professional basketball player was asked if he wanted to see more influential people do the same, and he responded by saying:"I mean, I want them to do what's in their heart. Some people call this giving back, I call it doing what my mother started, and what she told me to do... A lot of kids look up to me. I’m still kind of amazed that I haven't played basketball in 50 years, and kids still look up to me. I was fortunate enough. Because I listened to my parents, I got to live the American dream."He added by saying:"I just like to help kids smile, and we're doing something special this year. The sheriff and I have created a perfect attendance initiative. These kids get bikes, they get scooters, they get laptops."Shaquille O'Neal's Shaq-a-Claus shows his commitment to helping underprivileged children. What began as a small idea from his mother has grown into a long-running charity that has made thousands of kids smile since 1992. Shaq has big plans for the future, even aiming for a 50-state Shaq-a-thon.Also read: Shaquille O'Neal's health struggles explored as former NBA star questions addiction to painkillers