TAMPA, Fla. — For the 16th year, the Bullard Foundation along with WWE Legend Titus O'Neil, hosted their joy of giving celebration at Sligh Magnet Middle School. 

What You Need To Know

  • Joy of Giving celebrates its 16th year

  • 5,000 families registered to receive gifts

  • Toys were arranged based on age groups

From a parade to food to thousands of families receiving gifts, the day was jam-packed with fun. 

It was a chance for families like Shelia Mills Grady and 5,000 other registered families to pick out gifts.

“It’s a tremendous relief,” she said. “Just thinking about nine kids to get toys for is just... this is just a blessing.” 

Not just one of the families getting gifts, but also a volunteer, Shelia said this program is a great resource in the community. 

She said the process is simple, and the day is full of fun for kids of all ages. 

“All the other programs we tried to sign up for we were late … or there was a long line, a long list, and a lot of our stuff got messed up during the hurricane,” she said. 

Shiela said there is nearly $30,000 in damage to their rental property. Plus, they’re dealing with mold. 

To be able to relax and see her kids pick out exactly what they want this Christmas means the world. 

“It made me want to cry because, it’s like yes, my child is able to get a gift this year,” she said.  

Titus O’Neil said there’s a reason they’ve been doing this for 16 years. 

The families who come are important to him, and he wants everyone to have a wonderful holiday.

“We know the traumas, we know the situations that these families are coming from,” he said. “We don’t know all the details of it. All I know is that I was one of these families at one point.”