Ammons family shares holiday joy with local children

On the twelfth day of December, FAMU President James H. Ammons and his wife, Judy Ammons, shared some holiday cheer by donating bicycles, books and gift cards to more than 300 children in the Tallahassee community. The program benefitted children from Bond Elementary; Fairview Middle; FAMU-Developmental Research School; Oak Ridge Elementary; Griffin Middle; John G. Riley Elementary; Nims Middle; Pineview Elementary Schools and New Beginnings.

Mayor John Marks also participated in the program designed to promote reading.

“It is important we show the community that we care and how important they are to us, especially during this holiday season,” Ammons said.

One parent, Amanda Love, thought the toy drive, was a wonderful event.

“I think this [toy drive] was very helpful,” said Love, who has a third grader at Pineview and a six grader at Fairview. “The whole program was motivational for the kids. This toy drive is wonderful for those who may be less fortunate than others. FAMU is doing some wonderful things. I hope FAMU keeps up the good work."

One third grader from Bond Elementary was truly excited because he won a bicycle, which was his first.

“I really like the colors because red and black are my favorite colors,” said the third grader. “I hope it stops raining so I can ride it.”

The children were entertained by members of the FAMU Marching “100,” the Boys Choir of Tallahassee, FAMU cheerleaders, Tallahassee Girls Choir of CHOICE and the Mountain Dew Cloggers. Marks also did a reading of the “Spirit of Christmas.” They also received greetings from the FAMU men’s basketball team.

FAMU will also make a donation to Mothers In Crisis, Inc.

FAMU faculty, staff and students collected more than $15,000 in gift cards, books and bicycles.