Photography: Marshelle Sanders
Smiles, laughter, and hugs were shared across the facility early Saturday morning, December 13, as Families entered the building. On this festive energy, families arrived at Christmas In The Wards with anticipation. For the first part of the event, they enjoyed breakfast, got a chance to choose warm winter coats, and received household essentials. Families also took part in interactive activities. Each part of the day was designed to be joyful and unforgettable.
Larry Huggins, CEO of Riteway-Huggins Construction, founded Christmas in the Wards (CITW) 29 years ago. The event began as “Christmas in Englewood.” Each year, CITW brings holiday joy and essential support to underserved Chicago families, embodying the city’s generous spirit.
This historic event distributed presents to over 2,000 children, students, and families from different Chicago neighborhoods.
Aldermen from Chicago’s North, West, and South sides joyfully united to champion this annual tradition, lovingly recognized as the city’s very own “Santa’s Workshop.” Now in its 29th year, Christmas in the Wards proudly stands as the second-largest local toy drive in the country.
Huggins shared, “Our mission is to make sure every child and family feels seen and supported. These gifts aren’t just toys or laptops, they’re a way to share hope and show that our community cares.”
Elected Officials Gather to Support Children and Communities at McCormick Place
WGN Anchor Tahman Bradley welcomed attendees with lighthearted commentary highlighting the event’s purpose: celebrating community, generosity, and the joy of giving.
The celebration drew a large turnout of city leaders, including members of the Chicago City Council and state and county officials.
Alderman Lamont Robinson welcomed families and guests to McCormick Place and the Fourth Ward. He thanked the host venue and staff for bringing Christmas in the Wards back to the community. He also recognized his fellow aldermen for their work in all 77 Chicago neighborhoods.
“Larry Huggins has been a tireless servant to Chicago,” Robinson said. “One feature students will get today is their laptops. I hope those students will attend one of the HBCUs in our country. Thank you for supporting historically black colleges and for making sure education matters here in Chicago.”
Governor J.B. Pritzker praised the evolution and impact of Christmas in the Wards, crediting its founder for nearly three decades of service to Chicago communities.
“Uncle Larry Huggins has helped so many in Chicago and Illinois,” Pritzker said. “From a small Englewood gym to a citywide celebration, he built this event over 29 years. It is now a yearly testament to generosity. On behalf of myself, I want to thank you.”
While presenting laptops to student recipients, the governor underscored the importance of education and access to technology. “I hope these tools help you continue to achieve your goals and reach your full potential,” Pritzker said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson took the stage to thank organizers and volunteers for their tireless efforts. “Chicago shines not just with lights and decorations, but with kindness and goodwill. Events like Christmas in the Wards remind us of the power of community. They show us the importance of coming together to support our families.”
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis also thanked organizers and city leaders for their dedication, reciting lines from The Night Before Christmas.
Expressing gratitude, connection, and service, in the spirit of the season Congressman Jonathan Jackson stated, “This is a happy, holy season, let everyone feel the love that’s in this room,” said Jackson
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi encouraged families to stay resilient and reminded children, “You are braver than you believe, smarter than you think, and capable of anything.” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and other leaders echoed the importance of giving and community.
“Parents, grandparents, and young people, your presence matters. When we show up for one another, we truly make a difference,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle stated the importance of community-minded leadership, saying, “Not every successful business leader chooses to reinvest in the communities that shaped them, but Larry has. Government can’t do it all; we depend on organizations like this to help fill the gaps.”
Looking Forward: CITW Thanks Supporters and Celebrates Another Joyful Year of Community Impact
Not only does Huggins have CITW and the Chicago Football Classic, but an announcement was made. Mike Thompson spoke on behalf of Tom Ricketts and the Chicago Cubs organization during the Christmas in the Wards event. He announced a new partnership to expand access and opportunity in sports. He also revealed plans to host the first-ever HBCU baseball game at Wrigley Field in 2026.
Founder Larry Huggins, affectionately known as “Uncle Larry,” “Papa Huggins,” and “Chicago’s Santa,” shared the collective effort behind one of the nation’s largest toy giveaways. “We do this from the goodness of our hearts,” Huggins said. “It’s not about recognition; it’s about making sure every child in Chicago experiences holiday joy.”
Huggins thanked everybody who showed up and showed out, ranging from volunteers, staff, and aldermen who work year-round to identify families, shop for gifts, wrap presents, and organize the event.
At Christmas in the Wards, both corporate and community partners were celebrated for their year-round dedication to Chicago families. Organizations, including Walmart, Amazon, Walgreens, McDonald’s, Target, the Chicago Bears, Comcast NBCUniversal, ComEd, Scholastic, In His Hands Resource Center, Black Men United, S2 Grill, and others, were recognized for their support.
Their contributions, from holiday meals to back-to-school programs, helped make the toy giveaway one of the nation’s largest and underscored the impact on Chicago’s children and neighborhoods.
The program concluded with the distribution of bikes, laptops, and gifts. Elected officials gathered with children for group photos while volunteers assisted recipients. Despite the winter chill settling over Chicago, communities across the city came together in celebration, sharing the warmth, generosity, and unity that define this cherished holiday tradition.
