CLEVELAND — A northeast Ohio recreational center was transformed into the North Pole to give gifts to families in need. 

What You Need To Know

  • Organizers handed out more than 200 gifts to children in need

  • The staff at the center fed the families and provided treats

  • The families also received personal protection equipment (PPE)

Santa was on the scene at Cudell Recreation Center in Cleveland, helping kids with their holiday wishes. 

“Ho, ho, ho,” said Mr. Claus.

Sarah Torres is a single mother with two young children living in Cleveland. She said the toy giveaway was a great way to start the holidays. 

"I think it's good, especially for the kids. People don't have much around this time of year, and the kids get a smile on their face,"said Torres. 

Torres said it's a blessing that she and her daughter could pick out some toys for Christmas. 

"I mean, a lot of things have gone up pricewise, so it's a lot harder this year than normal, and layaways are not happening this year, so it's a lot harder for other families and me," said Torres. 

A toy giveaway featured plenty of great music, good food and treats for all to enjoy.

"We bring the party to the neighborhood," said Jerome Brown, who organized the toy giveaway.

Brown has been helping families in need all around Cleveland for almost a decade. 

"We address the need, ya know? These times are very difficult due to COVID-19 and also unemployment and stuff like that, so we heard the west was in need. We already hit the south side a couple of years ago, we did the north side, so it was the west side's turn," said Brown. 

Aside from the cost, Torres said it's also been hard to spend time with family because of the pandemic. 

"Not being in close contact with family, loved ones, especially her not being allowed to be around a lot of kids and always having to wear the mask," said Torres. 

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