The Christmas in the Southland program provided gifts to approximately 700 children on December 3, 2023, at the Matteson Community Center. This annual event, part of the Christmas in the Wards toy drive, aims to assist families in need, ensuring that children experience the joy of receiving gifts during the holiday season.
Among the young attendees was Karis Smith, a six-year-old from Richton Park, who expressed her modest wish for a big puppet. “I just want a big puppet,” she said with a smile, reflecting the simple joys of childhood. The program, now in its fourth year, expected to serve 2,000 children from 700 families this holiday season.
The event featured thousands of toys and gifts, with those under nine years old being the first to select from the available bounty. Karis was particularly excited about a Shine & Style Nail Studio fingernail kit, saying, “I love getting gifts. I got a nail set. Those nails are fake but I’m going to put them on my fingers.”
Once the younger children had their turn, a raffle followed, offering prizes such as televisions, Xbox consoles, computers, and bicycles. One of the first winners, Monica Patterson, celebrated her win with enthusiasm, saying she would use her new Xbox for her three children. “It’s for the kids, but I’ll probably play it also,” she noted. “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, was thrilled to win a bicycle, which she planned to give to her daughter, Taylor Reese. Lawson remarked, “It’s awesome. It’s wonderful. This is a blessing.”
Community Support and Contributions
The success of the Christmas in the Southland event owes much to the collaboration between local municipalities and organizations. Debbie Meyers-Martin, a state representative, highlighted the contributions from her office, which donated more than 10 televisions for the raffle. “This is a valuable asset to the communities and local municipalities,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of providing Christmas presents for families in need.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle praised the longevity of the toy drive, which has been active for 29 years, with renewed efforts by local leaders over the past four years. “This is one of my favorite times of the year, and we can count our blessings,” she said.
Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin expressed her joy at seeing the gymnasium filled with presents. “It makes me feel like being a kid at Christmas again,” she said, recalling her favorite childhood gifts. “All of those things were exciting, and we want to make some kids excited today.”
Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan acknowledged the economic challenges many families face, making the toy drive essential this year. “We wanted to do something not just for Rich Township or Matteson, but we wanted to include the other municipalities,” he explained, reinforcing the event’s community spirit.
The Christmas in the Southland program exemplifies the power of community engagement and support, bringing together local leaders and residents to ensure that the holiday spirit reaches those who need it most. As the event concluded, the smiles on the children’s faces highlighted the impact of such initiatives, reminding everyone of the joy that the holiday season can bring.
