Nearly 3,000 toys distributed at Temple's Children's Holiday Party

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The spirit of the holiday season was on full display Sunday at Temple University, where the school hosted its 28th annual Children's Holiday Party, bringing joy and relief to hundreds of North Philadelphia families.

Vice President and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin said the long-running event is rooted in community. "It's really about togetherness. It's about Temple University coming together with North Philadelphia children to provide a magical holiday for them," she said.

For one family, the day carried extra emotion. Johshonna Sexton and her children were selected as the event's first-ever VIP family due to hardships they faced this year.

"It's been a little rocky. But we made the best of overcoming our struggles," Sexton said, fighting back tears as volunteers helped her children pick out presents.

Sexton's family joined about 300 North Philadelphia children inside the Liacouras Center, where nearly 3,000 toys, donated through partnerships with Toys for Tots and other organizations, filled long tables and towering piles. Students who spent days wrapping gifts guided children as they made their selections.

"I was like whoa wait hold up wait a minute! I was so happy and excited cause me, my family and other people here able to get presents for free? Hold up!" said Sexton's daughter, Ava Willis.

Holiday cheer echoed throughout the arena as children played games with student athletes, had their faces painted, and met characters including the Grinch and Santa Claus himself.
Griffin said the holiday season can weigh heavily on families across the city.

"The holidays can be a really hard time for people, and we know that this has been a challenging year financially for a lot of our families, we just wanna make sure that the kids have a good holiday," she said.

Tow truck and construction truck drivers added to the celebration, arriving with police escorts and additional loads of toys.

The deliveries capped off a day organizers say is meant to uplift families and strengthen connections in the community.

"I don't have to worry about my kids going to get gifts or what not, even though I do try to get them things myself, just for them to get a little extra just so they can have a good Christmas," Sexton said.

For many Temple students and public safety officers, the event is just as meaningful.

"To be able to give back and then feel good about it makes us feel good," said Officer Leroy Wimberly, who helped coordinate the event.

Chief Griffin said the tradition reinforces the department's commitment to its neighbors.

"Just reminds us the reason that we're here, the reason for the season, which is really to give back and to spend it with people that you love," she said.

Organizers hope the experience inspires children to see Temple as part of their future, whether as students or even as police officers, after witnessing the support provided each year.