'Doing my part' - Activist makes sure kids have something to celebrate on Christmas
For years, Derk Brown, a well-known activist and influencer, has been at the forefront, providing assistance and bringing Christmas to the community.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A local community activist is on a mission to spread holiday joy to hundreds of children in our area.
For years, Derk Brown, a well-known activist and influencer, has been at the forefront, providing assistance and bringing Christmas to the community.
Brown’s been busy all week, bringing joy to families and children in need.
Earlier in the week, he teamed up with the manager at Hibbett Sports in Overland, DJ Cuddy, 100.3 The Beat radio, the Mike Brown Sr. Chosen for Change Organization, Bridge 2 Hope – St. Louis, as well as Nekia Dodd, the mother of Tyre Sampson, who died at Icon Park in March 2022 after falling from a drop tower ride, and a host of other sponsors to provide coats, toys, and shoes to nearly 200 kids in the community.
“It was a good feeling. Seeing [the kids] getting the shoes, having toys. Coming in, picking out what they want. Jacket size. Different colors. It was a good feeling,” Brown said.
Brown’s mission continued Wednesday, ensuring a bright and happy Christmas for many families by delivering toys. He put a smile on Frederica Butler's and her 7-year-old son’s faces when he showed up bearing gifts.
Butler, a mother of eight, reached out to Brown for help.
“We reached out to people and people turned us down or they said they didn’t have help,” she said. “I seen Derk Brown [on Facebook] had a few extra gifts and I just reached out and asked if he could help. And it was a blessing to be able to help my family in a time of need and we appreciate him for that.”
Brown said not every family has the means to celebrate by opening presents on Christmas Day. He says some will wake up without presents or a tree and no food to eat. His team wants to spread holiday cheer and ensure that every child receives a special gift.
“I'm just out and about in the community, doing my part; giving back and helping those that need help,” Brown said. “Whether it’s food, toys, whatever I can do on my part. … It was a good feeling today because you never know what the family is going through.”
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