Chicago's Christmas in the Wards brought holiday cheer to hundreds of families at McCormick Place this past Saturday, maintaining its near-three-decade tradition of gift-giving. The event, once known as Christmas in Englewood, has evolved to become a major seasonal fixture. According to WGN-TV, founder Larry Huggins credits what he calls "Santa's Secret Sauce" - a combination of corporate support and community effort - helping it to quickly grow into the country's second largest toy giveaway.
This year, Christmas in the Wards reached more than 2,000 children from 700 families, distributing over 10,000 toys along with laptops, televisions, bicycles, and other goods. Huggins expressed a hope to eventually include all 50 wards in the initiative. Despite economic hardship, he remains committed to bringing smiles to children's faces during the festive season and expressed his satisfaction, stating, "My mother always made sure there was something under the tree for us for Christmas, so I can't help but to feel good about it," Huggins told WGN-TV.
The generosity was palpable among the participating families, with Kimuelle Simmons, a mother of six, expressing her gratitude for the support. She shared her relief with NBC Chicago, "...I was just telling them how are we going to do this for Christmas. How are we going to have a Christmas this year because of the rent and all this other stuff." The assistance, she noted, made it possible for her family to celebrate in a year burdened by financial challenges.
For older children like high school senior Joelle Nixon, the impact of the event will extend beyond the holiday season. Receiving a brand-new laptop, Nixon is set to start college next year. She described the gift as a significant aid, saying, "It means a lot to receive it and not have to pay for it and I'm just very thankful," she told NBC Chicago. Delight marked the day not only for the children but also for their parents, who were touched by the kindness that the event demonstrated.
Uniting elected leaders from Chicago's 50 Wards, the event was a reminder of the community's commitment to its children, especially for those living at or below the poverty line. Huggins reflected on the larger purpose of the event, "You know when we look at Chicago, one in four children are at or beneath poverty and this is the day in which we erase statistics and let every child know that they matter that they cared so what we're doing today is giving an ounce of joy in the midst of everything that's going on in the city," he explained to NBC Chicago. The spirit of giving, thus, moved forward to shine a light in the lives of many, bolstering the holiday cheer.
