On December 3, 2023, the Christmas in the Southland program successfully provided gifts to 700 children at the Matteson Community Center. This annual event, now in its fourth year, is part of a larger initiative known as the Christmas in the Wards toy drive, which aims to support families in need during the holiday season.
Among the participants was six-year-old Karis Smith, a resident of Richton Park. When asked about her Christmas wish, she simply stated, “I just want a big puppet.” Children like Karis joined hundreds of others to select gifts from thousands available at the event. Founder Larry Huggins noted that this initiative is the second-largest toy drive in the United States, following Toys for Tots.
Community Collaboration and Generosity
This year, the program aimed to assist 2,000 children from 700 families. Children aged nine and under received first access to the gifts, with many excitedly exploring the options. Karis, for instance, was particularly interested in a Shine & Style Nail Studio fingernail kit. “I love getting gifts,” she expressed, highlighting the joy such events bring to children.
As the younger children selected their gifts, older kids had their turn, followed by a raffle open to all ages. Prizes included television sets, Xbox consoles, computers, and bicycles. Monica Patterson, who won an Xbox for her three children, shared her gratitude, stating, “I appreciate events like this. It’s parents like me who need the extra help. And this helps a lot.”
Another participant, Maria Lawson from Hazel Crest, chose a bicycle for her daughter, Taylor Reese, emphasizing the significance of the event: “It’s awesome. It’s wonderful. This is a blessing.”
Impact and Community Support
The success of the Christmas in the Southland program is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Village of Matteson, Rich Township, and various local officials. For example, the office of State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin contributed more than 10 televisions for the raffle. “This is a valuable asset to the communities and local municipalities,” said Meyers-Martin, underlining the importance of such initiatives.
Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board, praised the program’s longevity, noting its continuation for 29 years, particularly highlighting the recent efforts of local leaders. “This is one of my favorite times of the year, and we can count our blessings,” she remarked.
Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin expressed her delight in witnessing the community spirit at the event, stating, “It makes me feel like being a kid at Christmas again.” She reminisced about her own childhood gifts, reinforcing the idea that such initiatives help foster joy and excitement in the community.
Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan acknowledged the challenging economic climate and the necessity for community support. “We are all affected by what is going on economically,” he said, emphasizing the drive’s inclusive mission to unite various municipalities in providing for families in need.
The Christmas in the Southland program demonstrates the power of community collaboration and generosity, ensuring that joy and support reach those who need it most during the holiday season. As the event concluded, many children left with smiles, their wishes fulfilled, thanks to the collective efforts of local leaders and volunteers.