Staff Report | Chicago Defender
The 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc., a non-profit organization, will host their 26th Annual Holiday Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom, located at 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Tickets are available via Ticket Falcon.
Each year, the 100 BMC’s Holiday Toy Drive provides necessities and gifts for women and children in homeless shelters and community centers across the Chicagoland area. This charitable initiative has collectively amassed over a million dollars in donations, resources, and gifts, with thousands of attendees gathering annually to support the event. More than thirty organizations have been supported in the past; this year’s organizations include WECAN, La Rabida Hospital, By the Hand Club for Kids, Moving Everest, and St. James Community Church.
Media personalities Michelle Relerford (NBC5) and Bionce Foxx (V103) are co-hosting the charity event, with a live performance by the House of Chi, a premier live music show. Attendees, who are to be at least 21 years of age, will be served complimentary food and beverages. Some of the organizations that have benefited in the past include Woodlawn East & Community Neighbor, Clara’s House, Grand Families, PLCCA, Lighthouse Youth Center, Near North Health Service Corporation, Pacific Garden Mission, Ronald McDonald Children House, South Suburban PADS, and Windows of Opportunity.
Now in its 26th year, the toy drive has become a marquee holiday event in Chicago, underscoring the 100 BMC’s commitment to uplifting those in need. Several sponsors have joined the 100 BMC this year in supporting this important cause, including title sponsor Enterprise Rental Car, who have pledged to donate funds and 3,000 gifts; MolsonCoors, FedEx, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, BMOA, Wal-Mart, and CIBC are among sponsors that are partnering to support to those most in need, furthering the organization’s mission to foster positive change within the community.
Funds raised to support this act of community kindness and engagement will be used to purchase additional gifts and personal items for homeless shelters and community outreach organizations.
The 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc., established in 1994, is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help improve the quality of life and enhance educational opportunities for young students throughout the Greater Chicago area. Their mission is achieved through mentoring programs focusing on their “Four for the Future” community outreach initiative, which comprises education, health and wellness, and economic development.
