Written by | Ray Cornelius
Christmas came early yesterday for hundreds of Atlanta inner city youth as rapper Ludacris presented his annual holiday celebration, “Ludacrismas.”
The Thomasville Center of Hope was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with games, popcorn machines; dance music and holiday blow up toys. Excitement filled the air as children lined up to get a picture with Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes. A number of Target employees dressed in their company’s signature red apparel helped the children make their lists as well as holiday stockings stuffers and edible treats.
Target employees assisting kids with holiday stockings
However, the real treat of the evening was watching Christopher Bridges a.k.a Ludacris personally distribute the toys and winter coats to the Atlanta youth. It’s Luda’s desire that each child leaves the event with a gift and a coat.
Ludacris having fun distributing winter coats
“We have 150 kids here today. We’re giving out coats. We’re giving out books. We’re giving out toys. We’re just making sure that they have a very Merry Ludacrismas,” says the multi-platinum rapper and actor. “It’s my duty to make sure I give back to the city that helped me get on in the first place. Atlanta, Georgia, ‘I love you’ and we’ll continue making sure we give back.”
According to the president of The Ludacris Foundation Roberta Shields, this is an event that the foundation looks forward to presenting every holiday season.
Ludacris Foundation President, Roberta Shields helping distribute toys
“It’s important every year for us to give back to the community. To see the smiles on the faces of these kids is rewarding. When you’ve been blessed, you want to continue to bless. We’re here at the Center of Hope helping to make brighter futures. We are committed to doing this every Christmas and it’s an honor to be here in the Thomasville Community,” says Shields, who also happens to be Luda’s mother.
In addition to Ludacrismas, The Ludacris Foundation also presents a Thanksgiving Give Back, a “Healthy Living” spring event and urban gardening within various Atlanta communities on Earth Day.
‘Ludacrismas’ was made possible this year by a partnership between his foundation and retail giant Target along with The DTP Music label.
Check out more RC photos of Luda and the kids having a ball…
Welcome to Ludacrismas!
Each child received a winter coat
Atlanta youth enjoying Ludacrismas
Meeting Santa Claus
Music executive Shanti Das assisting youth with holiday cookies and treats
Atlanta Commissioner George Dusenbury, Amy Phuong from ATL Mayor’s Office and Ludacris
DJ Infamous and Ludacris
Commissioner George Dusenbury, Amy Phuong, Donovan Charles, Roberta Shields, Ludacris
Monique Johnson, Kim Hutchins and Malcolm Pritchett
Ludacris with young man receiving gift
Very happy kids with their gifts and toys
Photography Credit/Ray Cornelius