DALLAS — Families are counting down the hours to Christmas.
For many families in Dallas’ Pleasant Grove community, that meant packing the parking lot outside Omar’s Wheels & Tires on Friday.
“I’m surprised to see everything. All of it is awesome,” said Bonnie Latson.
Neighbors, young and old, bundled up in the cold to wait their chance for little boys and girls to pick a toy. It’s all part of shop owner Omar Omar’s annual holiday tradition.
“I love doing it. I love seeing kids smiling. They walk the aisle, and pick out whatever toys they like,” Omar explained.
The holiday toy giveaway is about community and supporting those who’ve supported the small business owner.
“It’s really amazing to see everybody coming together,” Antwan Kelly said.
Omar’s Wheels & Tires gave away a variety of toys, bikes, electronics, and other surprises to 500 children this Christmas. It helped ease the burden on some parents.
“We went through a lot last year. It was a really rough year,” Latson explained.
The event brought a bit of happiness to families who said times are sort of tough.
“You know, it was hard this year. Coming back off of COVID. I think we all had a little hardship and something to overcome coming into the New Year,” Amber Robinson explained.
The holiday event may seem like a small gesture to some. But it brought neighbors together another holiday season, and it impacted lives.
“I’m blessed to be in the community, and show the kids, hey, I’m here for them,” Omar said.