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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Christmas spirit was on full display in Urbana Monday night.
Crestview Apartments organizers hope kids will take home a little more than just presents this year.
“Everybody chips in a little bit, we haven’t had to go out to the community for help yet,” said Dominic Dibrizzi, property manager at Crestview Apartments. “So maybe in the future we will.”
Dibrizzi loves spreading holiday cheer. As a property manager, he enjoys gathering gifts for kids in the buildings, and a special visitor to help hand them out.
“We used to just pick a family every year, me and my friends and then we’d buy gifts for them,” Dibrizzi said. “And then it kind of escalated to this once I got here.”
Organizers handed out gifts for the first time last holiday season. Now, it’s Montez Thomas’ first time visiting with his sons.
“I see it’s bringing the kids together and the community together,” Thomas said. “That is awesome because a lot of places don’t do this no more so it’s great to see. “
Aaleasha Washington used to work at the property. She wanted to come and see the holiday cheer.
“I will have to say the kids just enjoying their selves, getting gifts,” Washington said. “And you know, people laughing and having a good time.”
And it’s not just about the presents.
“This time of year, really for me is to see the smiles on my family’s faces and my kids also,” Thomas said.
He also said this time of year, spending time in the company of other friendly faces is what Christmas is all about.
“I came from a multiracial community, so to see so many ethnicities here is awesome to see,” Thomas said. “It’s a real good feeling.”
There’s also something Dibrizzi hopes will last longer than the presents or the visit with Santa. He wants to show kids that the best gift of all is giving.
“It’s just something that they get to see that, you know, the world gives back and maybe they’ll do it someday too,” Dibrizzi said.
He also said 90 kids signed up to participate in the gift handout and visit with Santa. Dibrizzi hopes to expand this event every year, possibly branching out in other venues throughout the holiday season.