PETERSBURG, Va. -- Hundreds of volunteers are making Richmond and Petersburg children smile this holiday season.
The group Ricky Johnson and Friends is known for spreading holiday cheer throughout the streets of Richmond and now it's taking its mission to Petersburg. The group will host the city’s first ever Christmas for Kids Parade Saturday December 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Johnson said donors, local churches and Optima Health made this event possible. The goal of the event is to put a toy into every Petersburg child's hand.
“It's an overwhelming response. More than 10,000 kids we will be able to bless, community taking care of the community,” said event founder Ricky Johnson.
Johnson said they will be giving out over 15,000 toy’s Saturday in Petersburg streets.
“It's a time of joy and celebrating and sharing with the community. Were just excited about being a blessing to children," said Tabernacle Baptist Church Pastor Bob Diggs.
Saturday's parade kicks off at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, located at 418 Halifax Street, and will make its way through Petersburg.
The event originally started in Richmond nine years ago. Richmond children will get their special Toys for Kids Christmas Parade on Christmas Eve.
