Alton NAACP Takes 25 Kids on a Holiday Shopping Spree

WOOD RIVER - Riverbend kids had the opportunity to enjoy a shopping spree with the Alton branch of the NAACP.

On Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2025, 25 kids from across the Riverbend region met with NAACP leaders at the Wood River Walmart. Each child was paired with an adult and had $200 to spend however they wanted. NAACP Youth Council President Tori Porter noted the importance of giving kids this opportunity to celebrate the holidays.

“We try to help them out, or at least put smiles on the kids’ faces,” Porter said. “It might be chaotic sometimes, and it may be stressful, but at the end, they all smile. We have a great day. It pays off. I just love seeing kids smile, and that's really the whole purpose of our organization as a whole.”

Porter, Youth Council Vice President Lashod Robinson, and Alton NAACP chapter President Leon Smallwood-Bey identified 25 kids whose families could use some extra holiday cheer. They worked throughout the year to raise money for the shopping spree.

Kids could choose whatever items they wanted. While toys were a big hit, clothing and hygiene products were equally important to most of the shoppers. Some of the kids even picked out gifts for their family members.

Volunteers and community leaders worked with the kids to help them calculate their money and choose their items. Alton Mayor David Goins expressed his gratitude to be a part of the shopping experience.

“It means a lot just to see that the NAACP is giving back and providing Christmas for these young kids. It’s rewarding,” he said. “I’m just honored to be able to be here and to shop. I’m so glad I’m here today to take one of the little ones shopping.”

Smallwood-Bey noted the importance of youth leaders like Porter and Robinson, who organized the shopping spree largely by themselves. He expressed his pride in these young community members, adding that the adult branch of the NAACP looks forward to watching them go on to lead the organization.

“It's all about bringing joy and happiness,” he said. “I'll be wanting them to pay it forward and give back and lead by example. So that's basically what this is all about. For them, they're paying it forward and they're doing it themselves.”

The future was also on Robinson’s mind, who pointed out that the kids will be the next generation of leaders in the Riverbend community. He hopes experiences like the shopping spree help the kids feel supported and loved.

“It's all about community. It's about showing love,” Robinson added. “It’s about those who are the generation next and making sure that they have what they need and making sure they know that their community is looking out for them.”

Members of the Alton NAACP all hope the children have a happy holiday, made better because of their efforts. Porter has also organized a toy giveaway, planned for 11 a.m. on Dec. 24, 2025, at Alton Acres, and all are invited.

For more information about the Alton chapter of the NAACP, including how to join or how to donate to future initiatives, contact Smallwood-Bey, Porter or another member.

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