While many in Chicago were nestling into the warmth of holiday gatherings, a group of dedicated students chose service over celebration to ensure the city's underserved children experienced Christmas cheer. "It's great. I've been wanting to do this since my first year. I get to finally do it. It’s amazing. I love the vibe, I love the energy," Cory Dean, a volunteer with I am a Gentleman, Inc., told NBC Chicago. The nonprofit's 11th annual toy giveaway, in collaboration with the National Association of Letter Carriers in Chicago (NALC), now features not only toys but also a coat and food distribution to the first 250 families, ensuring they have the essentials for a traditional Christmas dinner, courtesy of Mariano’s.
The holiday initiative took place at the NALC Union headquarters in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, where families were greeted with music and festive activities. "We start in January, identifying families, soliciting toy donations, soliciting partners so that we can make sure that this day, Christmas Eve, which only happens one day a year, is extremely special," Jermaine Anderson, Executive Director of I am a Gentleman, Inc., described the effort to WGN-TV.
The charity's work is centered on mentoring and leadership development for young men, and service is integral to their ethos. "Part of their curriculum is demonstrating what it means to be productive citizens in their communities. They are putting their hands and feet to action, making sure they serve on Christmas Eve," Anderson shared with NBC Chicago. Children of various ages benefited from the selection of donated items such as dolls, tech gadgets, games, and crafts.
While the focus was on gifting, the underlying narrative remained the nonprofit's mission of instilling the value of community service in young men. "And a part of our curriculum is teaching our students what it means to give back and serve their communities," Anderson conveyed to WGN-TV. This commitment saw students foregoing personal plans in favor of uplifting others during the holiday season. Elise Foster, NALC-Chicago president, summed up the sentiment: "Giving back is what the holiday spirit is all about."
