HOLIDAYS
HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
HCCI and Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy Give Gifts to Hundreds of Children in Parnership with Walmart
Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24. 2020
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n Wednesday, December 9th, hundreds of children and adults descended on Jackie Robinson Park to attend “Toytopia: HCCI’s 5th Annual Toy Giveaway!” and the park’s “23rd Annual Lights of Hope Treelighting Ceremony”. In observance of COVID-19 precautions, the festivities were held outdoors, no one sat on Santa’s knee -- instead, children met a walking waving Santa, quickly selected their toys and left enjoying their new gifts. Once again, community unity made this annual event a huge success! Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) co-presented its Toytopia! with the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy (JRPC), as part of the 23nd Annual Lights
Photos by Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor
of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony. Walmart supported HCCI, with a generous donation of more than $3000 in gifts! “This is an especially difficult year for us all, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO of HCCI. “So, it was more important than ever, that we take a moment to spread holiday cheer within our community. We are extremely
grateful for our continued partnerships with Walmart and the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, which HCCI founded more than two decades ago, that made today a possibility.” “For 23 consecutive years, we have partnered with HCCI to spark lights of hope in Harlem,” said Sonya Simmons, Chairperson of the JRPC. “And in the midst of the pandemic, we were even
more committed to continue this tradition. Plus, seeing all of the joyful children was truly wonderful!” Santa Claus was graciously played by the Simmons’ husband Tobius Simmons. HCCI’s volunteer/Community Liaison Carolyn Paul enlisted neighborhood supporters including: Super Foodtown, Starbucks (145th St.), Duncan Donuts (145th St./
Edgecombe Ave.), Duncan Pharmacy, TJ Abrial Systems/Wholesale Dollar Suppliers and Beauty Merchandise), A & J Grocery Store, Taste of Seafood, Fine Fare (145th St), 99-cent Store, Neighborhood Dollar Store and a group of dedicated volunteers who braved the cold to make Harlem’s children smile. Celebrating 34 years of service, HCCI is an
interfaith consortium of congregations committed to the comprehensive redevelopment of the Harlem community. Since 1986, HCCI has been committed to the holistic revitalization of Harlem by providing economic development opportunities and empowerment of Harlem residents to rebuild their community. To learn more about HCCI programs please visit www.hcci.org.
