Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the importance of fostering togetherness during the holiday season through initiatives like Christmas in the Wards. During a December 7 press conference at Pullman Walmart, Johnson previewed some of the gifts children would receive thanks to sponsors of the charitable program.

Johnson attended Santa’s Holiday Photo Bash and Toy Giveaway in Chicago's 30th Ward on December 7. The event was hosted in collaboration with Alderman Ruth Cruz, the Mayor's Office of Community Engagement, and the Community Safety Coordination Center. Families selected toys, took photos with Santa, and strengthened community bonds through this festive celebration, according to a post by Johnson on Instagram.

"The holiday season is about more than just giving—it’s about coming together. Every year, Christmas in the Wards brings our community closer, bridging gaps and spreading joy where it’s needed most," Johnson said in a December 8 post on X.

According to the Christmas in the Wards website, Diamond-level sponsors included Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, Grubhub, McDonald's, Target, and Walsh Group. This collaborative effort aims to bring holiday cheer to Chicago communities.

Christmas in the Wards was founded in 1996 by businessman Larry Huggins as the Christmas in Englewood Foundation. It has a rich history of uplifting underserved communities in Chicago. Starting with a grassroots effort that raised $7,000, the organization grew through collaboration with Everett Rand, CEO of Midway Wholesalers, and support from political and business leaders. Reorganized in 2011 as a nonprofit entity, it expanded to serve families citywide.