Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Cookie Johnson, and the Magic Johnson Foundation celebrated the 10th annual Holiday Hope event at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood on Saturday, Nov. 16.
In collaboration with Feed the Children, Holiday Hope aimed to serve over 800 families, bringing the spirit of the holidays to life and providing essential items to those in need.
For Cookie Johnson, the drive to give back goes beyond charity; it is rooted in gratitude for the support she and Magic received growing up.
“We didn’t have a lot,” she reflects, sharing how grants and community resources like the Boys and Girls Club and Vacation Bible School enriched her childhood.
These formative experiences instilled a deep understanding of the power of community support.
“Somebody gave back to us,” she explains.
“If you change one life, you’ve done a lot,” she adds, encapsulating the spirit of the Holiday Hope mission and the joy of paying it forward.
In partnership with Feed the Children, the Johnsons’ outreach has evolved significantly over the past decade, growing from simple toy drives to a large-scale operation that addresses critical needs.
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Each family in attendance received a 25-pound box of shelf-stable food, a 15-pound box of personal care products, and a 5-pound box of AVON items.
Additional donations from generous partners like StarKist, Campbell’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Mattel’s Play It Forward included fresh produce, hams, children’s books, toys, coats, and school supplies.
“Cookie and I are truly grateful to our partners for their support as we uplift families in need during the holidays,” Magic Johnson shared.
“Giving back is our passion, and nothing brings us more joy than helping others. It’s incredible to think we started Holiday Hope 10 years ago and have been able to keep it going with the help of all our partners.”
This spirit of generosity is shared by countless volunteers and participants, like Antoine Jenkins, whose own experiences fuel his dedication to giving back.
Coming from an inner-city background, Antoine knows the importance of community support, especially during the holidays.
“This means a lot to me,” he began.
“A lot of my friends and families also come from the inner city, so I know how much this can help people during the holiday time. That’s why it’s huge for me to give back right now,” he emphasized, his passion for helping evident.
Since its founding in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift underserved communities through health, education, and social programs.
Holiday Hope exemplifies this dedication, demonstrating the incredible impact that a united community can have. As the Johnsons look to the future, they remain committed to expanding their outreach and inspiring others to join in making every holiday season brighter for families in need.
