South Florida’s ‘Big Mom’ continues annual holiday gift giveaway

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Essie Reid, also known as “Big Mama,” goes out to care for young people in South Florida during the holidays, continuing the tradition of giving gifts on Fridays.

On Thursday afternoon, Reed and a group of volunteers through her Team of Life organization prepared for the annual Gift of Love toy giveaway.

For the annual event, hundreds of families gathered at the Team of Life Center at 2136 NW Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale to eat and receive gifts.

Big Mama told Local 10 News that she’s been hosting the event for over 40 years because she remembers growing up as a child.

“God please. Please don’t, Big Mama. I have some beautiful and loving donors who love what Big Mama does. , our children, and our families to have a Christmas filled with good things.

The giveaways continue through Christmas Eve, with even more gifts, activities, and perhaps a visit from the festive fire truck.