B4 The Afro-American December 23, 2023 - December 29, 2023
Afro Charities continues tradition of Mrs. Santa Toy Giveaway By AFRO Staff
n Dec. 16 Afro Charities, the sister company of the AFRO O American Newspapers, hosted their annual toy giveaway on North Howard street at Nomu Nomu. Leading up to the event,
organizations like the Baltimore Silhouettes and the Steppin’ Out Bunch held toy drives to make sure the giveaway continued with another successful year. From bikes and board games to dolls, legos and Playdoh, children across the Baltimore area will have presents under the Christmas tree on Christmas Day, thanks to the dedication of all who donated.
Mrs. Santa’s elf helpers make the event a success: Lexie Boone (front, left); Amelia Campbell; AFRO Director of Community Relations Diane Hocker and Afro Charities Curator Deyane Moses. Back row: Jasmine Clarke (left); Oyinda Omoloja; Freddi Vaughn; Bacarri Byrd and Savannah Wood.
Diane Hocker, AFRO’s director of community and public relations, serves as the current Mrs. Santa.
Deyane Moses, curator of the AFRO Archives, takes a break from her duties as one of Mrs. Santa’s helpers.
Afro Charities Executive Director Savannah Wood helps the Mrs. Santa Toy Giveaway continue in 2023.
Zyair Byrd (left), Jahreese Byrd and Jamal Byrd Jr., one of the many happy families from the 2023 toy giveaway.
Queen HD the DJ sets the mood with classic Christmas tunes. Elf helper Freddi Vaughn assists children in selecting toys.
Jamila Monroe (left), with daughters Zaire Monroe and Kassidy Miller, show off brand new bikes and toys at the annual Mrs. Santa Toy Giveaway.
Cortney (left) and Cortlynn Jones make their toy selection at the annual Mrs. Santa Toy Giveaway.
Raegan Witt, Journey Byers, Kaiden Byers and Wynisha Witt, one of many happy families who attended the annual Mrs. Santa Toy Giveaway.
AFRO Photos/A.J. Johnson
Chase Cartmen (left), Lashae Cartmen, Mariah Cartmen and Eli Cartmen show off bicycles and toy selections from the giveaway, held Dec. 16 inside of Nomu Nomu, located at 709 N. Howard St.
Jaela Morris (left), Charity Fisher, Kia Randolph, Harmon and Logan Thompson enjoy the festivities ahead of Christmas Day.
Brand new bikes await a worthy owner at the 2023 Mrs. Santa Toy Giveaway.
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