Mayor Richard M. Daley and Alderman Latasha R. Thomas (17th)
will join Riteway Construction President Larry Huggins, Chicago Cubs’ Tom
Ricketts, Miss Illinois Angela Sparrow, and area business owners to present
toys, clothing, food and educational gifts to families from the Englewood and
Auburn Gresham communities.
Christmas in Englewood celebrates its 15th Annual Toy
Giveaway on Saturday Ogden Park Field House, 6500 S. Racine, at 10 .m.
Organizers report that over $75,000 in donations by
contractors, developers and business owners in the Chicago area, Christmas
gifts will reach the homes of more than 1,000 underprivileged children and 200
families in the 17th Ward.
“In this economic climate, our sponsors and contributors
continue to show their support of this endeavor,” Thomas said. “We shop for age- and
gender-appropriate toys and clothes for the children.”
Huggins has spearheaded the business community’s contribution drive for the last 15 years, increasing the number of businesses every year.
“I am thrilled to see fellow businesses, contractors and individuals show their support with this important toy giveaway to the children and their families in the Englewood area. We continue our mission to spread some joy and hope in their lives, especially during these trying times for many families,” said Huggins, president and founder of Christmas in Englewood.
The event is said to be the largest toy give away in the Chicago area, started by Huggins and former 17th Ward Alderman Terry Peterson.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender
