For the sixth consecutive year, BLACT ATL INC., in partnership with Aurora Theatre, hosted its annual toy giveaway at L. O. Kimberly Elementary School, delivering toys collected during the organization’s Festival of Trees southwest event.
The festival featured 30 decorated Christmas trees, encouraging thousands of people to donate toys. Those contributions, ranging from books and toys to musical instruments and STEM-focused items, were then distributed to more than 300 Kimberly Elementary School students during the giveaway.
BLACT ATL works to bridge community engagement and the arts, partnering with local artists, organizations, and businesses. Sponsors of the festival and giveaway included Target, Rap Snacks, the A’ja Wilson Foundation, and a host of other artists, business leaders, and local organizations.
Event organizers, sponsors, and Kimberly Elementary School staff. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Tina Fears, co-founder of BLACT ATL, emphasized the importance of ensuring the toys reached the students directly.
“We work all year on this event, securing partnerships,” Fears said. “A lot of times, when you do toy drives with different organizations, they collect them. You never know where it’s going. But for me personally, I wanted us to be able to put the gifts in the hands of the students.”
The day also included student-led holiday performances, craft activities, and a sponsorship recognition program where Kimberly students sang seasonal songs.
Beyond holiday cheer, the toy giveaway helps maintain school attendance during a time of the year when families often leave early for the holidays. Students stay in class to participate in the event and receive gifts, ensuring learning continues alongside community celebration.
“Our kids talk about this event all year. They expect it. They know this is what we do. This is a part of being at Kimberly Elementary School,” Kimberly Elementary School principal Kristy Reese said.
It’s that expectation that Fears hopes will inspire students to pay it forward in the future.
“When the students leave Kimberly, they will hopefully grow up, become successful, and say, ‘I’ve got to give back because somebody gave back when I was five years old at Kimberly. I looked forward to it every year. They blessed us,’” Fears said.
Self-advancing photo slideshow: 2025 Kimberly Elementary School Toy event. Photo by: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
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