On Saturday, Dec. 11, Mattie Rhodes Center at 148 North Topping hosted its annual holiday toy giveaway. The Mattie Rhodes Center gave away toys to children of families who pre-registered for assistance, and on-site registration was available for walk-up guests. 

Free food, soccer kits, art kits, junior firefighter helmets from KCFD, and gifts for all the kids were shared. Even the jolly old elf himself was on site for free pictures with Santa.

“We know the pandemic has hit families hard this year, especially in our neighborhood where one in three residents live below the poverty level,” said John Fierro, President/CEO of Mattie Rhodes Center. “For some of our families that means there are very few, if any, toys to go around for the holidays.”

There was also a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic on site, and no pre-registration was required for the vaccination clinic.