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Holiday Heroes: Hood Santa’s foundation planning Christmas Eve celebration for community
The Hood Santa strikes again, ending 2020 with yet another toy giveaway. Tito Rodriguez and his Local Hearts Foundation are planning a Christmas Eve celebration.
The Hood Santa strikes again, ending 2020 with yet another toy giveaway. Tito Rodriguez and his Local Hearts Foundation are planning a Christmas Eve celebration.
On Christmas Eve, there will be one last toy giveaway and Rodriguez says this one will be big with a pyrotechnics show and lights. It’s called the Spring St. Toy Giveaway in Koreatown, taking place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1756 Naud Street.
Rodriguez is a Long Beach native and has been making Christmas happen for the community for 10 years now with their Diamond Christmas toy giveaway. His Santa Claus suit has evolved from being a paper suit and gifts handed out from the trunk of a car.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Holiday Heroes: 'The Hood Santa' marks 10th year of serving community
Co-founder HJ Chong says last year, they gave away more than $50,000 in toys.
This year, with the coronavirus pandemic, the Long Beach event on December 17 was a drive-thru giveaway for the most part, in partnership with McDonald’s and For The Children.
Both Chong and Rodriguez have a history in the music business.
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