URGENT UPDATE: The annual Christmas in the Southland event is making a significant impact today, providing gifts to 700 children in need at the Matteson Community Center. This festive program, part of the larger Christmas in the Wards toy drive, is expected to serve 2,000 children from 700 families this year, making it one of the largest toy drives in the nation.
Just moments ago, hundreds of excited children, including six-year-old Karis Smith from Richton Park, gathered to receive their presents. “I want … I don’t want much,” Smith said with a smile, mentioning her desire for a big puppet. With Christmas just 10 days away, the anticipation is palpable.
The event featured thousands of gifts, with children aged 9 and younger getting the first pick. Smith, thrilled with her selection of a Shine & Style Nail Studio fingernail kit, expressed her joy: “I love getting gifts.”
As the younger kids took their turns, a raffle was held for older participants, offering exciting prizes including television sets, Xbox consoles, and bicycles. Monica Patterson of Matteson made headlines when she joyfully fell while claiming her winning ticket for an Xbox, 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. And this helps a lot.”
Entrepreneurial spirit was evident as Maria Lawson selected one of 50 Huffy bicycles for her daughter, expressing gratitude for the event: “It’s awesome. It’s wonderful. This is a blessing.”
The initiative, spearheaded by the Village of Matteson and Rich Township, received crucial support from local governments, including donations from state Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, who provided over 10 televisions for the raffle. “This is a valuable asset to the communities and local municipalities,” stated Meyers-Martin, emphasizing the importance of providing Christmas presents for families in need.
In a heartwarming address, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle praised the longevity of the toy drive, noting, “This has been going on for 29 years but in the last four years, local leaders in the Southland have continued it. This is one of my favorite times of the year and we can count our blessings.”
Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson expressed her joy as she walked into the community center filled with toys, reminiscing about her childhood gifts. “It makes me feel like being a kid at Christmas again,” she said. “If we can bring joy to others and make them feel like we felt as kids, we want to do that.”
Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan highlighted the increasing need for such initiatives amid economic challenges. “We are all affected by what’s going on economically,” he said. “This toy drive is more important than ever.”
With the event now underway, local officials continue to emphasize the critical role of community support in making Christmas a joyful time for all families. As the clock ticks down to Christmas Day, the excitement and hope fostered by the Christmas in the Southland program exemplify the spirit of giving that defines this season.
