The Pullman Walmart was overflowing and stocked with energy, generosity, and community spirit as families, volunteers, corporate partners, and elected officials gathered for a festive night of holiday shopping on Chicago’s South Side.
The event, rooted in nearly three decades of service and giving, brought together leaders from across the city to ensure children and families received toys, warm clothing, and essential items during the holiday season.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Helps Families Shop
The highlight of the evening came when Mayor Brandon Johnson arrived to join families as they shopped for toys, winter clothes, and essential household items. The mayor moved through the aisles, greeting parents, children, and families and offering encouragement as volunteers assisted families in selecting gifts.
Johnson praised the collective effort behind the event: “In a moment when so many basic government support systems are being undermined, I’m grateful we have community partners and corporations who understand what real partnership looks like — bringing people together and lifting one another.”
He thanked corporate partners, volunteers, and community leaders for their collaboration, especially during a time when many families are navigating financial challenges. “Let’s give every family the chance not just to survive, but to thrive,” he said.
With complete speeches, organizers announced the moment everyone had been waiting for: shopping could officially begin. Volunteers, elected officials, and families fanned out across the store, filling carts with toys, coats, books, and more.
As Mayor Johnson said before shopping with the families, “Chicago is, without question, the most sanctified, greatest city in the world, because of people who show up for each other like this.”
Larry Huggins on the Joy of Giving Back
Founder and longtime organizer Larry Huggins received warm applause as he spoke about the holiday shopping initiative’s growth. He reflected proudly that “only in Chicago can a poor boy grow up and create one of the biggest toy and essentials giveaways in America. “I’m grateful to every person who shows up, wraps gifts, gathers kids, and delivers joy. Together, we make magic happen.”
Huggins credited corporate partners, elected officials, volunteers, and school leaders for their continued support. Representatives from Target, Walgreens, NASCAR, Uber Eats, and local minority-owned firms spoke briefly, emphasizing their commitment to serving families and supporting community-based efforts. NASCAR’s Julie Giese shared that attending the event has become her favorite day of the year
Supporting Families Beyond City Limits
The initiative has expanded beyond Chicago to support families in Hopkins Park, one of Illinois’ most underserved communities. Mayor Mark Hodge made the 50-mile trip to thank organizers for their commitment.
“Your compassion has sparked a ripple effect of blessings,” Hodge said. “Every act of kindness builds a brighter future for our young people.”
Walmart Welcomes the Community
Walmart Regional Vice President Adonis Clark, who oversees much of Illinois, welcomed everyone with gratitude and enthusiasm. He emphasized Walmart’s pride in supporting events that uplift families during the holidays.
“For 29 years, this effort has captured the magic of the season,” Clark said. “It ensures thousands of families have gifts under the tree, warm coats, nutritious food, and essentials for those who need it most. This is what community looks like.”
Alderman Beale Celebrates the Spirit of Giving
Alderman Anthony Beale, representing the 9th ward, shared his personal connection to the annual holiday event. “I’ve been part of this for 27 of the 29 years,” Beale said. “Businesses never say no because they know the heart behind this mission, giving back to the least of these.”
Encouraging those in attendance to extend kindness to others during the season, Beale added, “If you’re blessed, it’s only right to give back. Your blessings will come.”
Elected Officials Applaud the Effort
Several city alderpersons, including Michelle Harris (8th), Matt O’Shea (19th), Jason Ervin (28th), and Peter Chico (10th), expressed strong praise for the event, highlighting its meaningful impact on families across Chicago.
Alderwoman Harris affectionately called Huggins “Santa Claus,” applauding his ability to bring joy to thousands of children each year.
“Larry Huggins is Santa Claus, and every year he makes me feel like Mrs. Claus! Seeing thousands of children at McCormick Place with those huge smiles — that’s the real magic. I’m grateful to be part of a board that makes people happy,” she said.
Alderman O’Shea emphasized the importance of playing even a small role in providing holiday relief to families, stating, “It’s an honor to have even a small role in this, now the second largest event of its kind in the country! Larry, for 29 years, your heart has been bigger than this whole city. You’re showing the next generation what leadership really looks like.”
Alderman Ervin reflected on expanding holiday support to the West Side, which eventually led to a second distribution site, sharing in a humorous but sincere statement,
“I told Larry years ago, ‘The West Side ain’t coming to the South Side.’ And what did he do? He took the South Side to the West Side! That’s why we’re all here working together across the city to bring joy to families who need it most.” This is how things happen: corporate support, clergy, elected officials, and community members all united.”
Alderman Chico, “This isn’t just about Christmas; this organization does the work all year. Just a few weeks ago, we were handing out grocery gift cards to more than 100 families. Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it — when there’s need, Larry shows up.”
