FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Each year, Essie Reed, also known as “Big Mama,” goes out of way to take care of South Florida youth during the holidays.
This year is no different.
On Thursday afternoon, Reed and a group of volunteers prepared for her annual “Gift of Love” toy giveaway through her “Team of Life” organization.
During the annual event, hundreds of families come out to eat and receive gifts and, of course, spread a little holiday cheer.
The event was set to kick off at around 6 or 6:30 p.m. at the Team of Life Center at 2136 NW Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale.
Big Mama told Local 10 News’ Ian Margol that she’s being hosting the event for over 40 years because she remembers what it was like growing up as a kid.
“When I was coming up, we didn’t get this. We got a brown paper bag with some socks and other clothes in it and that’s all my parents would give me,” Reed said.
Reed said was she was growing up she received a bicycle on Christmas but had to share it with her 3 other siblings.
She said she remembers the time when she couldn’t do anything for her kids for the holidays and now Big Mama makes sure that children won’t go home empty handed.
“We take care of multitudes of children,” said Reed. “These are my babies.”
Reed said she caters to children of all ages and that she’ll be “back at it” on Friday.