FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – On Christmas morning in Fort Lauderdale, dozens of teenagers gathered to spread holiday cheer. They loaded trucks full of toys to ensure that no child went without a gift.
All Star Classic and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, marked their 12th annual toy giveaway.
With joy in their hearts, about 50 teens from nine families participated in the event, which distributed about $10,000 worth of toys to 30 local families in need.
Sharonda Placide, from All Star Classic, praised the teens, saying, “These kids are amazing, they wrapped every single solitary gift that you see here.”
“It gives me a lot of joy knowing I can make someone’s day special,” Camryn Gasbard, a 15-year-old member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, said.
Belinda Daise, also from the chapter, said, “To see the children’s faces, the excitement in their eyes — for so many, they wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for this opportunity.”
Lauren Welmaker, another member of the chapter, explained how the event was made possible: “We’ve been collecting the money through our fundraisers throughout the year so we were able to make it happen.”
As the caravan of teens, acting as special elves, arrived with presents, Elaine Storr, a mother of seven, was overwhelmed with emotion.
“I wanted to cry to be honest but was overwhelmed with joy,” she said.
The teens said it felt good to give back and to share their Christmas with others.