More Than 1,000 Kids In Gary Receive Gifts At Annual Event
GARY, Ind. (CBS) -- It's Christmas again for more than one thousand kids in Gary, where the late mayor Rudy Clay's son is carrying on a tradition started by his father, reports WBBM's Mike Krauser.
The 13th annual "Toys For Kids That Santa Forgot But God Remembered" was held Saturday at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary. There was a long line of kids, filing into large room with tables piled with toys.
"It's just a great honor to my dad's legacy and to the children of the community," said Rudy Clay Jr.
Clay said the need is greater than ever.
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One man, Pastor Edward Sims, of Victory Life Christian Center, donated the bulk of the toys. He coordinates Toys For Tots for Northwest Indiana with the Coalition of Pastors.
"Just shows the dynamics of this city. The hurting people in need. You know, the ones that we couldn't reach, he's catching up and picking up the slack so every kid will have a smile on their face," said Sims.
Kiemonte had a telescope and a football.
"I like that everybody has a smile on their face and they're happy today," he said.
"One family whose home was burglarized and had their gifts stolen was able to get a new bike to replace the one that was intended for a little boy."
