In the spirit of the season, Pastor Marvin Hunter, who heads the Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 1457 South Kenneth Avenue, is hosting a “Hugs Christmas Party,” at 3 p.m., Sunday, December 16, in the Franklin Park District, 4320 W. 15th St.
Pastor Hunter is giving toys to 150 families whose loved ones were victims of gun violence and who had children.
Saying he doesn’t want to leave one child behind this Christmas especially those whose parents or loved ones were murdered. Hunter, who is the great uncle of Laquan McDonald, said he is also feeding these families after the toy giveaway beginning from 3-4 p.m. at the Franklin Park District.
“We will also provide these families with information about our monthly grief counseling sessions,” Hunter said explaining the pain, anguish and psychological trauma doesn’t end with funerals. “They need help…a lifeline…to get them through this storm and these sessions provide them with hope for tomorrow.”
Pastor Hunter will also have a free concert and corporate prayer…a call for peace for both the city of Chicago and those in attendance…at his church beginning at 7 p.m.
“We are also going to remember those who have lost their lives from gun violence,” he said noting that many of the parents will bring pictures of those who were killed. “We will not forget them. They did not deserve to die.”
