About
THE VISIONARY AND HONORARY HOST CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTCongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee represents Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget.
With the collective efforts of public and private partners, sponsors, volunteers, and friends, each year families are embraced and are given a special gift each holiday season.
Honorary Host Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is once again preparing to welcome children and families of Houston t to a festive and fun Toys for Kids event this holiday season. Toys For Kids is an annual holiday gathering of friends, family and loved ones experiencing the annual holiday tradition in H-Town. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee releases the following statement on the occasion of the 28th Anniversary Annual Toys For Kids Event:
“The end of the year marks the beginning of the holiday season and for over two decades this event continues to be a special family affair and tradition that provides children and families throughout Houston the opportunity to experience the festive wonder and magic of Christmas.”
“Every year, we embark on this endeavor with a heart full of love in order to make the lives of those without sufficient means brighter during this special time of year. Although it is a massive undertaking to organize and implement, it is an incredible and unique opportunity to spread the holiday cheer. It has been so incredible that last year we hit a new record high of approximately 13,000 individuals attending the festivities. This event is a hallmark event during the Houston holiday season and has attracted many participating organizations including Houston Rockets, Coca Cola, Ensemble Theater, , Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Houston Ballet, Houston Fire Department, Houston Police Department, Houston Zoo, NASA Astronauts, Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and other entertainers from across the country, professional athletes, college and high school bands, dancers, cheerleaders, and of course Santa himself. And one of the biggest delights is during the bike giveaway and seeing the faces of children smiling from ear to ear as they receive their very first bike.”
“In the spirit of giving we are planning the largest event ever and to honor those who have given so much to make this event the huge success it has become over the years. I am overjoyed and cannot wait to see those smiling faces yet again this holiday season.”
2020
2018
2019
What is Toys for Kids HTX?“Toys for the Kids” offers our community an opportunity to lift the hearts and spirits of underprivileged and minority children and their families. Over five thousand children attend the event. With a large number of attendees, the event takes place at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The event typically includes a grand parade entrance, food and refreshments, a moon bounce, and entertainment from local singers or groups.
The morning starts with thousands of children waiting in excitement, as well as those that would like to meet the Congresswoman and other celebrities. The parade highlights Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, along with Mr. & Mrs. Clause and other dignitaries, that donate their time and support to the event. Bands honor the parade and event with joyful music to set the holiday season into place and following the parade, the Congresswoman speaks about the good deeds of the day. At the close of the event, children leave with smiles that can never be forgotten. Children bring home toys that they happily unwrapped at the event.
Weeks prior to the event, volunteers gather to coordinate event operations, as well as wrap thousands of gifts. Our faithful volunteers show exceptional honor in wrapping and preparing for the event. They spend countless hours setting up and breaking down prior and after the event. Volunteers take their great pride in also being a part of the event. These volunteers donate their time to help share the spirit of the holiday season to those that cannot. It is a time that all can call, “Tis the Season to be Jolly.”
The idea is to remind others that their generosity shares blessing with those less fortunate so they can experience the joy of the holiday season. Every year is a successful year, which not only brings the community together, but reaches out to those that want to share their holiday spirit. Our annual event relies on volunteers, donations, time, and the kind consideration of the community. Our continued efforts to keep our annual, “Toys For Kids”, could not be done without the help of many.
IN MEMORY OF
Tonya (T.C.) Chissell-Williams
THE HEART AND PASSION BEHIND TOYS FOR KIDS
Chair, 2014 - 2018
