JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thousands of kids left the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in LaVilla Saturday with giant red bags filled with toys, all thanks to an annual celebration hosted by the City of Jacksonville.
The Children's Christmas Party of Jacksonville is a tradition that started in 1999 and centers on giving kids and families in need a good time, allowing kids to hand-pick toys they love, at no cost.
The event is the largest one-day toy giveaway in Jacksonville, with as many as 5,000 kids getting new toys just in time for the holidays. Children even have a chance to win specialty toys, like a bike, scooter, or wagon, from the Wheels Depot.
The party is meant for kids 12 and under, who don't always have the luxury of getting gifts on Christmas.
"Every parent in the world wants to provide for their kids, especially during Christmas," said Mayor Donna Deegan. "I always love it when the entire community will come together for something like this."
Special guests Mr. and Mrs. Clause got the party started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, perfectly fitting the celebration's selected theme, "Silver Bells: It's Christmas Time in the City."
Other fun characters were also in attendance, including Spider-Man, Batwoman, The Flash, Rapunzel, Ariel, and many more.
Also dubbed as 'Jacksonville Happiest Holiday Tradition' the party is entirely funded by sponsors and donations from the people of Jacksonville. Companies including UF Health Jacksonville, Wells Fargo, North Florida Bicycle Club, and more took part in this year's festivities.
Deegan said the event is just another example of the community coming together for a common goal.
"When the whole community comes together and says: 'We want to help these kids,' I just love it," said Deegan.
After the party wraps up, any leftover toys are donated to local programs and nonprofits to give to families during the week before Christmas.