CHICAGO (WLS) — The icy grip of winter has transformed Chicago into a frosty wonderland rivaling the North Pole, and in response, Santa’s workshop has set up shop right in the heart of the city.
McCormick Place is now awash with the vibrant sights and sounds of the holiday season. On Saturday, representatives from many of Chicago’s 50 wards joined forces to bring festive joy and warmth to families in need.
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“Witnessing the happiness firsthand is incredibly rewarding,” expressed Brandon Allen from Target.
The beloved tradition of Christmas in the Wards is once again in full swing.
“Today is all about our children, who represent the future. It serves as a reminder that they are cherished, no matter the circumstances,” remarked 6th Ward Alderman William Hall.
For almost three decades, this heartwarming event has epitomized the spirit of giving, touching the lives of countless families. It stands as one of the nation’s most significant toy drives.
“The beauty of Christmas in the Wards is that this has evolved out of Christmas in Englewood to go beyond one community, and it now encapsulates the entire city of Chicago,” said 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez.
From bikes to laptops to gaming counsels and more, Christmas in the Wards serves as an early visit from Santa himself.
Each child receives gifts from a personal wish list, which results in organizers lovingly distributing a total of 10,000 gifts.
“It’s just such a good event we do. And when you can bring 39 of the 50 wards together at one time and place, it makes your heart sing,” said Christmas in the Wards Founder Larry Huggins.
Of course, none of this would be possible without Huggins, whose love for Chicago led to the creation of this annual heartwarming tradition.
“Christmas should be for everybody, not just for the wealthy; it should be for everybody,” Huggins said.
He says since its inception 29 years ago, Christmas in the Wards is a gift that keeps on giving with the help of generous corporate sponsors and community members.
“It means a lot. I really needed one. I was going to work over the summer and working hard to get one,” said Aqil Boden, who was gifted a laptop.
Corey Addison also received a laptop.
“It means a lot, actually, because I was trying to get me a laptop, and it was going to cost a lot to get one, and I needed this for college and stuff,” Addison said.
And over in west suburban Lombard, with less than two weeks to go before Christmas, there is a sense of urgency for firefighters and volunteers.
They collected toys and baby supplies for Santa to deliver to charities.
“Holiday spirit. We’re having a good time collecting toys for the kids. It’s a really good event we do in Lombard. Glad to be out here collecting toys,” said Noah Plung, who was dressed as an elf.
The big guy himself even made time to be there at this time during his busy season. The cold is no problem.
“For Santa, this is no big deal, because the North Pole is pretty cold, right? This is shorts and t-shirt weather,” Santa said.
Well, maybe for him. But organizers urged everyone else to bundle up. The fire trucks and volunteers went down Main Street from the fire station, collecting donations as they went. For many families, it has become an annual tradition to come out and donate.
“It’s good to give back toys for less fortunate,” said Rudy Geichammel.
At the end of the parade, they bring the toys in to sort them for the two charities, Teen Parent Connections and Toy Express. And, they finally get a break from the cold. It’s inside. But no one is complaining about the cold.
“All of us who walked just bundled up and were ready to brave the cold. Just kept moving,” said organizer Rob Blockinger.
They will distribute the toys they collected to the two charities on Sunday. But in the meantime, they will continue to collect at seven sites around town for the next week.
