The Whitfield Foundation 4th Annual Toy Giveaway was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Topgolf Midtown. Families and kids of all ages enjoyed free toys, clothes, holiday music, and a chance to meet St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver ‘Oli’ Marmol and his family.
At the annual toy giveaway more than toys were received but cheer and joy to local families in need. Partnering with Our Mission Guided by Faith Foundation, Faith by His Grace Foundation about 300 families were served. Other sponsors were DNI Property Management, 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, Toys for Tots, Walmart, and Fredbird–all of which positively impacted the community this holiday season.
Marlon Whitfield, executive director of The Whitfield Foundation for Success said this year’s toy giveaway is unique because four non-profits came together to help spread the spirit of Christmas. “We’re making sure kids have something to open on Christmas day,” said Whitfield. With the rising cost of everyday essentials, some families are experiencing a difficult time giving their kids toys this year.
“So many people are going through a tough time,” said Whitfield when discussing the importance of his annual toy drive. “I’m overwhelmed with joy,” said Krystal Whitfield, the executive director’s wife. She described the event as “absolutely amazing”. She loves to see the expression on the kids’ faces when they pick out a toy of their choice. The Whitfields are so happy to see the turnout of their community event, “It just fills me up with joy,” he said.
“This event is dear to my heart and my wife,” said Marmol. Marmol told the St. Louis American his family loves to serve the community. The St. Louis Cardinals manager comes from humble beginnings– “ I remember being on the same side of these families,” he said.
In 1992 his family was devastated by a hurricane that destroyed their home. He remembers being about five or six years old and standing in line to receive a toy. “To give back now and to see the joy on all these families’ faces, it’s awesome,” said Marmol. “Families are going to go home knowing we care,” he added.
The Whitfield Foundation for Success’s mission is to inspire and empower change-makers through innovation such as education, and training. The foundation gives voice to communities that feel unheard while providing education in Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics S.T.E.A.M.—the foundation has raised over $300,000 in scholarships for students pursuing S.T.E.A.M degrees.
Sophia Johnson, a mom of three children said the community toy drive is a blessing for her family. “ We have been going through a lot, and to have an event like this for the kids to have a gift to open on Christmas day is exciting for them,” Johnson said. Two of Johnson’s sons got a football and her 11-year-old daughter Madison picked out an eyeshadow makeup kit. Johnson said she plans to volunteer next year with the toy drive to help give back. “Thank you,” she added.
Jessica Palmer’s family recently experienced a house fire losing almost everything. She wondered how she was going to give her brother who has Down Syndrome a great Christmas. When she heard about the foundation toy drive she knew her prayers had been answered. “My brother asked me if Santa was mad at him because he didn’t have any gifts under the tree,” she said. Holding back tears Palmer said she now has a chance to give her brother a happy Christmas. Palmer left the toy drive with a large box filled with a variety of toys for her brother.
Whitfield said he wants to continue having events like this, echoing his sentiments Krystal Whitfield added, “And by bringing our family out to help we are passing a legacy to them to show them how important it is to show up for their community.”
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.