As families across North St. Louis continue to recover from the May 16 tornado, a longtime community holiday event is returning this weekend with food, activities and access to local resources.
“Breakfast with Hood Santa” will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club. The event is organized by Chosen for Change, a nonprofit founded by Michael Brown Sr. and his wife, Cal Brown.
This year marks the fifth the Browns have hosted the holiday giveaway. Organizers say the need has grown as many families continue to deal with displacement, financial strain and grief following the tornado.
“The need is even greater now,” Cal Brown said. “A lot of families are still trying to get back on their feet.”
Last year’s event served nearly 400 community members. This year, organizers expect attendance to reach the thousands.
Families who attend will receive a hot breakfast, toys for children and winter essentials such as coats, hats, gloves and socks. Community groups will also be on site to share information about ongoing support and recovery resources available during the holiday season.
Michael Brown Sr., who portrays Hood Santa, said the event is meant to be welcoming for families who may be carrying heavy burdens.
“This is a place where, if you’re feeling down in life, you’re surrounded by good vibes,” Brown said. “It’s a place where you can be lifted up.”
Cal Brown said Hood Santa offers children an experience that challenges the traditional image of Santa while emphasizing representation and belonging.
“Hood Santa is an experience,” she said. “It shows representation in a way that kids don’t always get to see.”
This year’s theme puts what Brown describes as a “hood twist” on a winter wonderland. Children will be able to take part in a dance contest, decorate ornaments, make a gift for a parent and participate in a snowball fight. Free haircuts will also be available, along with games, photos with Hood Santa and other activities.
“It’s a place where a kid can be a kid,” Cal Brown said. “A place where you can choose joy.”
The event will also feature vendors from Black-owned businesses, many of which are operated by families who have experienced loss themselves. Organizers say highlighting those businesses is another way to keep resources circulating within the community during a difficult time of year.
Chosen for Change was founded in the aftermath of the death of Michael Brown Jr., the son of the Browns, and works year-round to connect families with mentoring, healing-centered programming and support services.
“Breakfast with Hood Santa” is free and open to the public.