Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, Office Of Reentry Host Holiday Toy Drive For Returning Residents

CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Mayor's Office of Community Safety and the Office of Reentry, hosted the city's first Reentry Toy Drive at the McKinley Park Chicago Public Library branch today. The event, in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Community Engagement, aimed to distribute toys and other gifts to over 400 returning residents and their families.

Mayor Johnson expressed his belief that the holiday season is about hope, generosity, and coming together as a community. He acknowledged that for returning residents and justice-impacted families, this time of year can bring its own set of challenges. Through this toy drive, he hoped to show these families that they are seen and valued by their community. He also mentioned his administration's commitment to supporting returning residents through the Office of Reentry in the upcoming year, with a focus on bringing safety, stability, and dignity to all communities.

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This was the first time that the City has organized a toy drive specifically for returning residents and justice system impacted families. The event featured various family-friendly holiday activities such as taking photos with Santa.

Joseph Mapp, Director of the Office of Reentry, emphasized that reentry is not just an individual journey but a collective one. He stated that when a returning resident comes home, it affects not only them but also their family and the broader community. Mapp saw this toy giveaway as an opportunity to remind everyone that healing, stability, and belonging are fostered when people show up for one another. He also reiterated his office's commitment to building a city where every family touched by the justice system feels supported and included throughout the year.

Several community organizations were present at the event to help connect residents with support resources. These included Westside Health Authority, Giving Others Dreams (G.O.D.), Howard & Evanston Community Center, and Uptown People's Law Center.

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Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood praised this year's toy drive as a reflection of the collaboration and dedication between the government and the community. He urged everyone to honor the resilience of system impacted individuals and their families during this holiday season. Gatewood also expressed excitement about continuing efforts to provide meaningful opportunities and resources for families across the city.

The Office of Reentry, which was established by Mayor Johnson, leads initiatives to provide holistic support to returning residents and their families. With over 10,000 individuals returning to Chicago each year following detention or incarceration, the office focuses on communities on the South and West Sides.

The success of this year's Reentry Toy Drive highlights the Johnson administration's commitment to improving the lives of system impacted individuals and their families. By acknowledging and supporting these families, they hope to foster hope, restore dignity, and strengthen community connections. This event serves as a reminder that when families are supported, communities thrive.

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