Jacksonville, Fla. — There were plenty of gifts to go around Thursday morning on Jacksonville’s Westside, as the North Florida Educational Institute teamed up with Jacksonville non-profit ECS4Kids for its annual Giving Tree event.
“As a parent, that’s just one of the things you look forward to, just seeing your child be excited and smile and be happy,” Lloyd Henry told Action News Jax. “This time of the year is great.”
The Giving Tree event is a holiday tradition lasting more than a decade. It provided 200 gifts to 40 kids in need.
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For parents like Lloyd Henry and Enrika James, the gifts are a holiday blessing.
“Our priority is making sure that our kids are healthy and safe. Gifts are always a plus,” James explained. “We try to decorate a little bit just to kind of bring that Christmas spirit into our home, but having that little relief of not having to purchase in excess or break the bank for Christmas is always great.”
While each present takes some holiday pressure off parents, it also doubles the holiday magic. Christmas came a whole week early.
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“A smile is always great, but to see her actually excited is everything to me,” James said after her two little ones opened their gifts, covered in smiles.
“We love it and that makes her feel like she has a place and she belongs here,” Shelove Zhrashr added after her little girl Anya excitedly opened her gifts.
Those interested in donating to the event and its efforts next year can do so by clicking here.
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