At a time when Christmas morning is a faint dream, a glimmer of hope comes through.
“It’s hard for a lot of people right now,” April Russell said. “When I talk to the average moms, a lot are going through really tough times.”
Russell, who is among the group, says up until Saturday, she was unsure if her grandchildren would have presents under the tree come Christmas Day.
On Saturday, the Urban League of Palm Beach County held its Toys for Tots giveaway.
“Each family walks out of here with a wrapped gift that the parent picks out,” President and CEO Patrick Franklin said.
Since October, the organization has been signing people up for Saturday’s giveaway. It was open to families who don’t have the means to buy gifts for their children.
“It only takes a couple days to sign up over 600 families,” Franklin said. “Lots of kids out here waiting for their toys, they’re very anxious, they know Christmas is coming.”
Russell is overjoyed that her grandchildren will have a brighter Christmas. With a visit from Santa and play time with their friends, the giveaway is just what they needed to get into the Christmas spirit.
“They’re going to have a blast, they’re going to be grateful,” said Russell.
Urban League provides services in the areas of economic, community and youth and education empowerment to more than 17,000 clients annually. Saturday’s giveaway was the organization’s 13th annual event.
