UPDATE: The annual Christmas in the Southland program just wrapped up at the Matteson Community Center, where an estimated 700 children received gifts in an event designed to bring joy to families in need. This year’s program, held on December 3, 2023, aims to support over 2,000 children from struggling families in the area.
Children as young as six, like Karis Smith from Richton Park, expressed their simple wishes, hoping for gifts like a big puppet. The excitement was palpable as children eagerly chose from thousands of toys, including nail kits and bicycles. “I love getting gifts,” Karis said, showcasing the pure enthusiasm of the season.
Christmas in the Southland, now in its fourth year, is part of a larger initiative known as the Christmas in the Wards toy drive. Founded by Larry Huggins, this event has rapidly become the second-largest toy drive in the United States, trailing only behind Toys for Tots. With the support of local municipalities, including the village of Matteson and Rich Township, the program distributed thousands of gifts to children and families in attendance.
After younger children made their selections, a raffle ensued, offering prizes such as Xboxes, televisions, and bicycles. Monica Patterson, one of the raffle winners, expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s for the kids, but I’ll probably play it also. I appreciate events like this. It’s parents like me who need the extra help.”
The community spirit was further highlighted by the participation of local leaders. State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin noted, “This is a valuable asset to the communities,” while Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle emphasized the initiative’s longevity, saying, “This has been going on for 29 years… This is one of my favorite times of the year.”
With the economy creating challenges for many families, Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan remarked on the importance of such initiatives: “We wanted to do something not just for Rich Township or Matteson, but we wanted to include the other municipalities.”
The event not only provided gifts but also fostered a sense of community. Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin joyfully reflected, “It makes me feel like being a kid at Christmas again. We want to bring joy to others and make them feel like we felt as kids.”
As the holiday season approaches, this heartwarming initiative continues to remind us of the importance of giving back and coming together as a community. For those involved, the memories created today will last well beyond December 25.
Stay tuned for more updates on community initiatives that make a difference, especially during this holiday season.
