Chicago witnessed a heartwarming scene on Saturday morning as Christmas came early for more than 2,000 fortunate children across the city. The joy on the faces of these families was truly a sight to behold. As Larry Huggins, the founder of Christmas in the Wards, said, "When the families come, and you see the joy, and when the families say, if it wasn’t for this event, they wouldn’t have Christmas, it makes your heart feel good."

Spreading Christmas Cheer in Chicago's 77 Neighborhoods

Annual Event with a Deep Meaning

This is the 28th year that Christmas in the Wards has been bringing smiles to hundreds of grateful families. At McCormick Place, the event is connecting the diverse neighborhoods of the city through the act of giving. Larry Huggins, a construction executive, takes on the role of Santa, ensuring that each family receives personalized gifts. As he said, "It just fills my heart because that’s what we try and do. Even though we shop for the families, they get personal gifts. They have no idea they can win a PlayStation 5, a TV an Xbox 1."The elected leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, and alderpersons from different sides, were present to help make these Christmas wishes come true. It's a time when everyone comes together and focuses on giving back. As 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee said, "It’s a time when everybody is coming together, and it’s all about giving back. Events like this inspire others to do nice things too and to be more generous to our neighbors."

High School Senior's Gratitude

High school senior Jalisa Lane was one of the recipients on Saturday. She received a laptop and couldn't wait to use it for her college studies. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I’m very happy. I was surprised. I was very surprised. I hope to use it for my assignments in college and stuff like that. I just feel supported." This laptop will undoubtedly be a valuable tool in her educational journey.The event at McCormick Place was filled with a wide variety of gifts, from laptops to bikes, TVs to toys. It truly shows the spirit of Christmas and the power of giving. Christmas in the Wards has become a tradition that not only brings joy to the children but also unites the community. It's a reminder that in the midst of the holiday season, there are those who need our help and support.