7-year-old boy volunteers at Englewood, Chicago toy drive in honor of mom Romeca Meeks Blackmon, killed in South Loop shooting
One South Side toy drive has become an annual tradition that gets bigger and bigger every year.
Hundreds of people lined up hours before it started, hoping to get a few extra things to put under the Christmas tree.
There was a festive atmosphere in the Englewood neighborhood, thanks to the Kidz Korna Toy Giveaway, which makes the holidays brighter for families in need. Delece Williams organizes the event, which is in its 20th year.
"They walk away with tears, saying they didn't know what they were going to do for their grandchildren," Williams said.
But behind the joy is a story of loss for the family of Romeca Meeks Blackmon.
Blackmon was shot and killed back in September while dropping off her son at school. Another woman has been charged with first-degree murder.
Blackmon's mother, Tina McMiller, says she is struggling.
"It's very hard. It's very hard," McMiller said.
McMiller brought Blackmon's 7-year-old-son, Amir, to help hand out toys, spreading the kindness they say Romeca embodied every day.
"I'm trying to stay focused and give him the best Christmas he could ever have that his mom would give him. So that's what I'm fighting for," McMiller said.
And families who lined up for the giveaway say they appreciated the generosity coming in the midst of a family's pain.
"It's hard times, as it is for everyone in the economy. And this year hit me pretty hard, so this is helping tremendously," said Jackie Scott, who received toys.
"What I do is, some stuff we get, I pass it along to other kids. Somebody gives me something, and we double back and give somebody else something," said Nicole Wiley, who also received toys.
The organizers say they also hope to announce soon that some of the land they own at 65th and Parnell will be developed into a center where part of that space will be designated to help victims of domestic violence.
