The annual Christmas in the Southland event brought joy to approximately 700 children on December 3, 2023, at the Matteson Community Center. This initiative, part of the larger Christmas in the Wards toy drive, aims to ensure that families in need receive gifts during the holiday season.
Children arrived eager to select gifts, with young attendees like six-year-old Karis Smith expressing simple wishes. “I just want a big puppet,” she said with a smile. The event provided thousands of toys to children from Matteson and nearby communities, demonstrating the commitment of local organizations and volunteers.
Larry Huggins, the founder of the toy drive, informed the crowd that this initiative ranks as the second-largest toy drive in the United States, trailing only behind Toys for Tots. This year, the program aimed to serve 2,000 children from 700 families, showcasing its extensive reach and impact.
The event featured a variety of gifts, and children aged nine and younger had the first opportunity to choose from the available toys. Karis shared her excitement about receiving a Shine & Style Nail Studio fingernail kit, emphasizing the joy that comes with receiving gifts. Other activities included a raffle that attracted participants of all ages, offering prizes such as televisions, gaming consoles, and bicycles.
Among the raffle winners was Monica Patterson, who excitedly claimed an Xbox for her three children. “It’s for the kids, but I’ll probably play it also,” she noted, reflecting on the supportive nature of such community events. “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, selected a Huffy bicycle for her nine-year-old daughter, Taylor Reese. Lawson described the event as “awesome” and “wonderful,” highlighting the significant impact of the toy drive on families.
The efforts behind Christmas in the Southland involved collaboration among various local governments and organizations. Notably, Debbie Meyers-Martin, a state representative, contributed over ten televisions for the raffle, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. “This is a valuable asset to the communities and local municipalities,” she stated, expressing gratitude for the commitment shown by public servants.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle praised the longevity of the toy drive, noting its continuation over the past 29 years and its recent revival by local leaders. “This is one of my favorite times of the year, and we can count our blessings,” she remarked during the event.
Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin expressed her delight at seeing the community center filled with toys and presents. Reflecting on her own childhood memories, she stated, “It makes me feel like being a kid at Christmas again. If we can bring joy to others and make them feel like we felt as kids, we want to do that and continue to do that.”
Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan acknowledged the challenging economic conditions that many families face, underscoring the importance of the toy drive. “As we started this thing four years ago, we wanted to include the other municipalities, whether it’s Richton Park or Country Club Hills or other areas. That’s what it’s all about,” he said.
The Christmas in the Southland event exemplifies the power of community spirit, providing essential support and joy to families during the holiday season. With ongoing efforts and contributions from local leaders, the program continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many families each year.
