The Light with Raymond Tyler
I want to start The Light this year by shining some light on two great holiday toy giveaways that ended 2023, and the first big community event of 2024.
Light Toy Give-Away
Thanks to donations from more than 25 people from across America, my annual toy drive was a success. We were able to collect hundreds of toys, games, bikes and more for children in the Atlantic City area.
On Dec. 8 we donated toys to the Toys-For-Kids Drive at The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. Our big giveaway, however, was on Dec. 16. I have to thank Nynell Lea Langford, Shermaine Gunter Gary and Councilman Kaleem Shabazz for their insight in making the All Wars Memorial Building a venue for our giveaway.
I also have to thank recording artist April “Chocolate Girl” Williams for her show-stopping performance (a cover of the John Legend song, “So High”) as we also celebrated 50 years of hip-hop in Atlantic City. Thanks also go to Freedom City Bike Club for donating our bikes.
Last but not least, I have to thank Kristie Johnson for donating 50 jars of all-natural shea butter for the great young people at Covenant House. I also have to thank Wendi Levy and Mixed Chicks for donating 50 lip balms for Covenant House.
There is a long list of other companies and people that helped make our holiday drive a success. I didn’t even mention the cans and nonperishable food we collected. Thanks to everyone who reads The Light here in Shore Local and listens on FM 91.7, WLFR.
Joe Frazier, Jr. Promotions Christmas Toy Giveaway
The Christmas Toy Giveaway sponsored by Joe Frazier, Jr. Promotions/Danny Garcia and DSG Promotions on Dec. 19 was a huge success. Children at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City got to meet professional boxers, including special guest Leanna Cruz, Joe Frazier, Jr. and Danny Garcia.
The boxers and promoters made a first stop at 215 North Sovereign Ave. There they encouraged the young people gathered to be proud of their heritage and to never give up.
Joe Fraizer, Jr. talked about his father, the former heavyweight champion of the world “Smokin” Joe Fraizer. The other boxers discussed what it takes to win in and out of the ring.
They left the kids a load of toys and then headed over to 317 N. Pennsylvania Ave. to the Boys and Girls Club to spread the same positive energy about giving back and becoming a success, and then blessing them with toys.
Three Kings Celebration
The Three Kings Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 6, at Our Lady Star of the Sea was sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County. Thanks to the HAAC for keeping Hispanic heritage alive in AC!
The association, with the support of volunteers and sponsors, were able to distribute more than 600 toys, coats and community resources to deserving families.
There were so many great organizations in South Jersey that made this holiday season bright. As we close out the holiday season, and I start counting the weeks until spring, I want to thank everyone that contributed this year. My heart is still filled with joy.
Now according to Online Calculator we are approximately 10 weeks from March 19, 2024 and spring. Only 23 weeks until June 20 and summer.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
