
JULIE DRAKE
2022-12-20
Nonprofit organization Solé of the CommUNITY’s Kwanzaa toy giveaway was a successful event, CEO/founder Nashon Mitchell said.
PALMDALE — Nonprofit organization Solé of the CommUNITY’s Kwanzaa toy giveaway was a successful event, CEO/founder Nashon Mitchell said.
“We had a great turnout,” she said.
Approximately 250 people turned out for the event, which was held, Sunday afternoon, at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center. The event featured art, free food, music, storytelling, drums and poetry. Attendees could also connect with community resources.
“Families were blessed with multiple toys and books and scooters,” Mitchell said. “We even had tennis shoes.”
Solé of the CommUNITY collaborated with Pharaoh Mitchell, Marlena Bella and Brittany Penrow for the event.
Sponsors and donors included the Community Action League, Pharaoh Mitchell Enterprise, Antelope Valley Toys for Tots, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and Walmart Supercenter at 47th Street East in Palmdale.
“We had a great presentation from people in the community that presented the seven principles of Kwanzaa,” Mitchell said.
Those speakers were Brian Johnson, Diana Love, Brother Ansar Muhammad, Marlena Bella, Monzelle Dozier and Alonzo Braggs. Other speakers talked about the importance of seeds as far as food and how to cultivate and grow your own. Musical entertainment included African drums, a singer and a rapper.
The event was such a success that Solé of the CommUNITY will plan a Kwanzaa event, next year, as well.
Solé of the CommUNITY offers women’s support groups and financial literacy for youth and their parents, which is offered through a partnership with Chase Bank. For details, call 661-544-8294.