‘We’re back! ‘Jacksonville kids’ Christmas parties reopen after pandemic pause

jacksonville, florida – Stealing a page from basketball icon Michael Jordan, executive director of Jacksonville’s Children’s Christmas Party, made a brief statement as he discussed the organization’s return after a two-year hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic. did.

“We’re back!” Diane Halverson told News4JAX.

Parties that provide toys for the most needy children in the community had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to health protocols. The celebration is an opportunity for children 12 and under to feel the joy of Christmas with toys donated by local businesses and the general public.

On Thursday, News4JAX held its annual Toy Drive, filling downtown’s Prime F. Osborne Convention Center with toys and bikes for the kids. WJXT-Channel 4 has hosted his drive since 2010. It has also been held for the last two years and has benefited Toys for Tots, which distributes toys to children.

Related: In the Spirit of Giving: Jacksonville Community Brings Thousands of Donations to 12th Annual Toy Drive | | 📸 Photos: The 2022 Channel 4 Toy Drive was a huge success

“We are so excited to have our children back. I can’t tell you how much we missed our children and their families in person. The volunteers are really excited,” said Halverson. I was.

WHO: Needy children in Duval County. Otherwise, you may not receive toys for Christmas. New unopened toys will be distributed to children 12 and under on a first-come, first-served basis (children must be present to pick up toys). Families in need do not need to present or apply for identification.

what: Jacksonville Children’s Christmas Party

when: Saturday, December 17, 2022 (rain or shine) 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. The door closes early when all the toys have been dealt out.

Where: Prime Osborn Convention Center, Downtown Jacksonville, 1000 Water Street (at Bay and Lee Streets), Jacksonville, FL 32204 Free parking. Accessible public transport nearby.

why: Generous donations from many of Jacksonville’s businesses and citizens have set the stage for new toys to be given to an estimated 5,000 Jacksonville children in need this Christmas. There are still many families who cannot afford to buy Christmas toys for their children and still make a living. By noon, or earlier if all toys have been distributed, each child attending on December 17 will receive a stuffed animal and a You will receive a bag full of novelty toys. This year, Jacksonville’s Children’s Christmas Party will celebrate its 24th anniversary with a “Wonder of Toys” decor theme, with the expected appearance of characters like sports team mascots and Mrs. Santa Claus. Start the party with a ribbon cut at 9am.

About Jacksonville’s Children’s Christmas Party:

Jacksonville’s Children’s Christmas Party, a non-profit organization, was founded by Travis and Margaret Story in December 1999 to provide toys to children in Jacksonville who otherwise would not receive toys for Christmas. was the mission. We want to raise enough money so that volunteers can distribute 19,000 brand new toys and over 450 special wheeled items (bikes, scooters, wagons, toddler ride-on toys) that will be randomly awarded in the morning. thinking about. A lucky bike winner will receive a free helmet. A free pencil also carries an important message: “Stay Smart. Stay in school.” All volunteer needs were met by sponsor employee volunteers.

For more information about The Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville, visit the organization’s website at: www.ccpoj.org Or send an email to: christmaspartyofjax@comcast.net.