JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local Grammy-award winning singer returned to his hometown to give away gifts to families less fortunate Thursday evening.
Douglas Anderson School for the Arts graduate Ulysses Owens Jr. and Bravo reality TV star Africa Miranda hosted the 6th annual Don't Miss A Beat holiday toy drive.
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The celebrities led kids in an array of Christmas melodies.
The toy drive was sponsored by Peninsula Condos residents.
Throughout the night the organization collected unwrapped presents and gift cards for 30 families.
“People talk about presents and all of those good things and the tree but it’s really about the spirit of the holidays. I feel like no matter what you believe it's about people and kindness,” Miranda said.
The holiday event also served as a fundraising initiative to support DMAB’s much-heralded programs.
DMAB is a nonprofit with the mission to blend music, art, academic achievement and civic engagement to inspire and enlighten children and teens in the Riverside, Brooklyn and Woodstock communities. Its objective is to utilize the performing arts as a tool to facilitate youth development and cultivate youth talent in the arts.