Mothers In Charge hosts toy giveaway, holiday party for Philadelphia kids affected by gun violence
By Alicia Roberts, Scott Jacobson
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Philadelphia (KYW) — Families impacted by gun violence gathered at the School District of Philadelphia’s headquarters Wednesday for the Mothers In Charge toy giveaway, a night of holiday cheer complete with music, presents and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, the national director of Mothers in Charge, hosted the night focused on lending a helping hand to those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
“I lost my mom when I was very young, so I know the pain of that, especially at a time when everyone is happy, but maybe you’re not happy because you had a death in your family,” Johnson-Speight said.
This is the third annual Mother’s in Charge Toy Giveaway, and this year more than 200 children received a special gift just in time for Christmas.
Erica Reason brought her son Malik.
“We seen this at Target a month or so ago, and I didn’t have enough funds for it, so I told him no, and then we seen it here, so like that’s just a blessing in itself,” she said.
Shannon McCance attended the event with her 5-year-old daughter, Willow.
“I don’t think there is anyone in the city that doesn’t know gun violence,” McCance said. “I’m just happy there are still good people out there. There’s a lot of good people out there, and it’s from all walks of life, it’s just nice to see.”
‘Tis the season for giving — one smile at a time.
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