Angela Thompson and Santa (Photos Provided).
In 2009, a dedicated crossing guard overheard a conversation that would change her life. A young mother picking up her children from school was on the phone expressing her sadness and frustration about what she could and couldn’t afford for Christmas.
Moved by the situation, that crossing guard, who goes by the name of Angela Thompson, approached the mother and offered to help. It was a simple act of kindness that began a long-term mission to bring holiday joy to needy children in a South Side Chicago neighborhood.
Each year before Christmas break, Thompson, Fiske and Andrew Carnegie elementary school students and volunteers provide gifts for children in the Woodlawn community. Her efforts grew each year as she learned how many families were in similar situations.
Over the past 15 years, Thompson has received priceless support from classmates, family members, local churches and organizations like Metro Squash. All of whom have helped her collect and distribute toys to families in need during the holiday season.
Her work has led to the birth of her foundation called Angela’s Passionate Heart, which has touched the lives of over 4000 Woodlawn residents. She organizes a toy giveaway each year at E 61st St in Chicago, where children and their families can pick up toys, clothes and other necessities.
“When the winter break begins, children know to come to me after school,” Thompson said.
She ensures that children from local schools receive gifts appropriate for their age and that those needing specific items, such as winter coats or clothing, receive those as well.
Because of her efforts, she’s a local hero.
In recognition of her commitment to the community, Thompson has been honored with the Red Cross 2024 Community Impact Hero Award. Additionally, she has appeared on several major news outlets, including CBS, Fox News and WGN-TV, where her contributions have been highlighted.
Still, Angela is quick to note that her reward comes from the smiles and gratitude of the children and families she serves.
“The best memories come from seeing the joy on the faces of parents and children when they get their gifts,” she said, “It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of community support.”
One of the team’s challenges is making sure that there are enough toys for girls and boys.
Because girls receive more attention and their toys are easier to find, Thompson also strives to ensure that the boys she helps also get their Christmas wishes met.
“I hope that more boy-concentrated toys such as sports, games and necessities become donated and available,” she said. Despite these challenges, Thompson dedicates herself to meeting the needs of every child, and her dedication remains unwavering.
But that show of generosity isn’t just reserved for the kids.
Thompson makes sure to recognize her volunteers during her annual event. In the past, her volunteers have been treated to small tokens of gratitude and special gifts. In 2020, during the pandemic, Thompson went even further by organizing where children could take photos with Santa Claus and the Grinch for free.
As the holiday season approaches, Thompson’s event is dedicated to sharing hope and imparting to future peers the lesson that giving is as important as receiving. She shared that generosity, community support and good values must be passed on to the next generation.
“I want children to learn that giving is just as important as receiving shared generosity and community support, which are our values that need to be passed on to the next generation,” she said.
Thanks to her selflessness and time, Thompson and her helpers have brought hope to families and inspired others to give back and support their community. As Thompson moves forward into 2025, her work continues to grow. She is now focused on ensuring the long-term stability of her foundation as she prepares for her eventual retirement. Thompson said she is committed to using her foundation to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need.
Here’s How You Can Help
The general public also has an opportunity to help Thompson’s foundation, Angela’s Passionate Heart, and its mission of helping others this holiday season.
There’s still time to donate toys and necessities for children from Pre-K to 8th grade, with a deadline starting today (Dec. 15) until Dec. 19. Gifts will be distributed on Friday, Dec. 20, on the corner of 61st and Cottage Grove after school.
Gifts can be dropped off at Metro Squash, which is located at 6100 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
Monetary donations can be sent to Angela Thompson, “Angela’s Passionate Heart,” at P.O. Box 378264 Chicago, IL 60637. For more information on Angela’s Passionate Heart, email angelapassionateheart@gmail.com.
