CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS KICKS OFF IT’S 29TH YEAR WITH MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON & ELECTED OFFICIALS


CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS KICKS OFF IT’S 29TH YEAR WITH

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON & ELECTED OFFICIALS

 

WHO: Larry Huggins, Christmas in the Wards; Mayor Brandon

Johnson; 8th Ward Alderwoman Michelle Harris; 9th Ward Alderman  Anthony A. Beale; 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico; 11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole Lee; 16th Ward Alderwoman, Stephanie Coleman, 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea, 28th Ward Alderman Jason C. Ervin, Mayor Mark Hodge of Hopkins Park, IL, Title Sponsors – MPEA, Grosvenor, MT Transit, Walmart, Amazon and Uber Eats, along with Presenting, Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Sponsors

WHAT: Shopping With the Electeds’

WHEN: Thursday, December 4, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. Program; Shopping starts at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:Walmart – 10900 S. Doty Ave., Chicago, IL 60628

WHY:A Christmas in the Wards pre-event (ahead of our Christmas Spectacular) in which elected officials personally shop with selected families from diverse Chicago communities to fulfill Christmas essentials, wish lists, and gifts of hope.


Chicago, IL – Christmas in the Wards (CITW) proudly kicks off its 29th year with Mayor Brandon Johnson, leading elected officials from across Chicago, and an extraordinary coalition of corporate sponsors for its annual “Shopping with the Electeds’” event. This special pre-event to CITW’s Christmas Spectacular brings together community leaders—including Alderpersons Michelle Harris, Anthony A. Beale, Peter Chico, Nicole Lee, Stephanie Coleman, Matt O’Shea, Jason C. Ervin, and Mayor Mark Hodge of Hopkins Park—along with Title Sponsors MPEA, Grosvenor, MT Transit, Walmart, Amazon, and Uber Eats, and a host of Presenting, Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Sponsors. Together, they will personally shop with selected families from neighborhoods across Chicago, helping fulfill essential needs, holiday wish lists, and gifts of hope during this season of giving.


In 2025, CITW delivered critical, year-round support across Chicago communities through a series of high-impact events. These included two Easter Giveaways providing food, clothing, and essentials; a Back-to-School celebration offering supplies, clothing, food, and a full community party; and a November Healthy Food & Turkey Giveaway distributing more than $40,000 in turkeys, nutritious groceries, clothing, and essential items. Combined with CITW’s annual Christmas Spectacular, these efforts reflect the organization’s commitment to ensuring families feel supported 365 days a year.


As Christmas in the Wards (CITW) celebrates its 29th year, the organization proudly embraces its expanded mission and new theme, “Secret Santa Sauce,” representing the power of Corporate Chicago. This “Secret Santa Sauce” reflects the corporate sponsors who have stepped forward as true community partners, helping CITW uplift families during a period of uncertainty—when government programs face instability, economic pressures strain low-income households, and rising costs make everyday life more challenging. Their support underscores a simple truth: in challenging times, we must take care of one another, and our local corporate partners are answering that call.


This event offers families a meaningful and personal experience: the mayor and elected officials walk alongside families through Walmart, helping them select the items that matter most. This hands-on connection underscores the program’s belief that dignity, joy, and community are best built together. Shopping With the Electeds’ is A Unique Chicago Tradition whereby CITW has hosted over 29 years of shopping for thousands of families.


“This is the embodiment of CITW’s mission,” said Alderperson Michelle Harris. “It’s not just about a single day in December—it’s about showing up all year long. When we walk the aisles with our families, listen to their needs, and help fulfill their wishes, we build trust and reaffirm our commitment to every child and parent in Chicago. Children thrive when their community shows up for them. It sends a message: you matter, your dreams matter, and your city is here for you.”


Mayor Johnson joins CITW, leaders and sponsors to highlight the organization’s expanded mission, express gratitude to Title, Presenting, and Key Sponsors, and uplift the work being done across the region. Also offering remarks is Mayor Mark Hodge of Hopkins Park, IL, where CITW launched its inaugural event last year and proudly returns for its second. Hopkins Park—founded decades ago by African American farming families—remains a community rich in pride but vulnerable to the challenges of rural living, particularly in colder months. CITW’s support provides both immediate relief and long-term impact for families working to overcome these hardships. The event in Hopkins Park scheduled for December 20, 2025, stands as another example of community partnership and seasonal giving.


“For 29 years, we’ve been committed to bringing joy, resources, and opportunity to children and families,” said Larry Huggins, Founder of CITW. “Christmas365 reflects what we have always known—our families need support throughout the year. Whether it is Easter, back-to-school season, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, we’re here to help ease burdens and ignite hope.”  Huggins added, “Our mission is simple: to transform lives. The coats, laptops, healthy food, school supplies, and gifts we provide each year are tools for empowerment.”


Following the press portion of the event, Mayor Johnson and the elected officials will help selected families shop for essentials, toys, and holiday needs. CITW sponsors will assist with checkout to complete the experience.


Founded in 1996 by local businessman Larry Huggins, CEO of Riteway-Huggins Construction, Christmas in the Wards originated as Christmas in Englewood, created to support families often overlooked and underserved. Nearly 30 years later, the organization grew into a regional model for community engagement, year-round support, and youth empowerment. What began as grassroots fundraising has become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 corporations. Under the Christmas365 model, Christmas in the Wards now provides:

Clothing and winter essentials

Laptops and technology access

School supplies and educational tools (Back to School)

Food and nutrition assistance

Healthy holiday meals (Easter & Thanksgiving)

Thousands of toys and Christmas gifts

Seasonal celebrations and youth engagement programming


For 29 years, Christmas in the Wards has remained committed to uplifting underserved families and ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

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