It’s that time of the year again and everybody is in the holiday spirit. Christmas time has a tendency to bring out the best in people as many get more involved in their community. Local elected officials, celebrities and the community really love this time of year because it gives them a chance to flex their giving muscles.
Over 3,000 children received early Christmas presents courtesy of Compton Mayor Aja Brown’s 5th Annual Compton Christmas Toy Giveaway on Sun., Dec. 18. Dozens of volunteers turned out to help Mayor Brown and Councilwoman Emma Sharif spread holiday cheer to Compton children and their families.
Master P and his son Romeo Miller contributed a U-Haul’s worth of toys to the event that saw families lined up from the MLK Monument in downtown Compton down Acacia Avenue. Other celebrities on hand included NBA All-Star Baron Davis, Olympic track Gold Medalist Carmelita Jeter, ESPN’s Marcellus Wiley, Miss Diddy, KDAY radio personality Cece the Mamacita, rapper YG’s mother Shonae Jackson and her famous Nae Nae’s BBQ and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus.
On Saturday, December 23 H.O.P.E. will be hosting their Christmas Extravaganza located at 2640 Industry Way Suite D Lynwood Ca 90262 bringing Christmas to youth in the community. The H.O.P.E. Foundation along with a host of local community members, athletes and clergy shared how they feel about Christmas.
“Christmas brings the joy and anticipation of hope, if only for one day, its the leading up to something wonderful. [It gives those a chance] to be a blessing to others. We are always grateful!,”—H.O.P.E. Foundation.
“Christmas means laughing and smiling, being around the ones you love and care for. Spreading good energy and good vibes. Christmas means spending quality time making cookies or a gingerbread house or putting together a puzzle. Enjoying each other’s company and love,”—Carmelita “The Jet” Jeter.
“For us, Christmas is a time to reflect on our faith and give thanks for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us. It is a time for us to celebrate life with our family and to share our love with those who do not have the option to spend time with their biological families. Christmas is one of our favorite holidays because we get to enjoy quality time with our loved ones as we celebrate our Christian faith and reflect on all that this day represents. The holiday is a symbol of new life, hope and joy, which is greatly needed in the midst of pain, suffering and chaos.”—Daniel and La Mikia Castillo.
In modern time, Christmas has lost its true meaning as remembrance of the sacrifices Christ made and died for so that we may have life and has become nothing more than a selfish, commercialized gift buying fiasco,”—Eva Allen.
“I believe Christmas should be a time when you help and share your blessed life with strangers in need…because the best way to have happiness is to make someone else happy.”—Tony Carter
“To me, Christmas is an opportunity to celebrate Jesus yet another day! It’s an opportunity to spend time with those we love and cherish just how blessed we are. It’s also a time when many experience the sorrow of being without a loved one or basic food and shelter. If you do have a gift, even if just a smile, share it with someone who needs it most!”—Brittany Jackson
“A little over 2000 years ago, the Son of God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus is not just the reason for the season he is the reason for the celebration! Every Christmas light we see is in celebration of Christ who came into this dark world as the light of the world. Every material gift that is bought or given, every decoration that is put up, or every act of kindness during Christmastime celebrates the joy of redemption, the beauty of forgiveness, and the hope of God’s love for all.”— Dr. Walter R. Tucker, III
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!!!
