RICHMOND, Va. -- Christmas came coming early for those living in Richmond’s Southside as leaders and faith leaders came together to give out toys to those in need.
"This is our second annual toy drive," Lamar Johnson said.
Dozens packed the sidewalk outside New Deliverance Tabernacle Saturday morning to get an early Christmas present.
"We got about 400 toys that’s the help of me myself and Mr. Hall," Jonson said. "We got a lot of businesses and churches to help out with this event.”
Lamar Johnson and Prince Hall helped shape the free toy drive, which they started last year. The drive allowed families in underserved neighbors, to pick out several toys for children.
“We wanted to make sure they can feel like somebody still backing them, somebody still looking after them, having their best interest," Johnson said.
Both men said this year was even more important, since many families have been impacted by the pandemic.
"This is also going to help some of the parents that were affected by COVID-19 like losing jobs and things like that," Hall said.
“My money a little funny this year and I just wanted to make sure we could all do something together and do something for them," one parent said.
But the gifts didn’t stop there. Worship and Prasie Deliverance Church, gave out over 200 free bikes that were donated, for boys and girls. This is the fifth year the church as taken part in the Grab and Go, Bikes for Christ, Giveaway.
“It’s a blessing that people will do this for other people," Betty Cosby said.
With Christmas less than a week away, and the new year right around the corner, those in the community said Saturday was a good way to brighten a tough year.
“To see a lot of Black people out here doing positive work and helping the community, it’s beautiful to me," a parent added.