Hundreds of people lined the 700 block of Broad Street Tuesday in front of the Imperial Theatre for James Brown's Christmas toy giveaway. As the toys were running out, Mr. Brown sent one of his employees to the bank with several $100 bills so that they would have enough single dollars for all of the children. Hundreds of people lined the 700 block of Broad Street on Tuesday in front of the Imperial Theatre for James Brown's Christmas toy giveaway. Many of them peeked in the windows to see how the operation was proceeding as they waited their turns. JONATHAN ERNST/STAFF

Hundreds receive free toys

Web posted December 23, 1998

By Margaret Weston
Staff Writer

Decked out in a red leather suit, silver-tipped black cowboy boots and coiffed hair, Augusta's favorite son James Brown spread some Christmas cheer Tuesday at Imperial Theater.

Parents and children waited for hours to receive free toys distributed by Mr. Brown and employees of James Brown Enterprises. Cheers arose when Mr. Brown, a soul singer, arrived in a stretch limousine.

``We do it every year because I was once one of those kids out there,'' Mr. Brown said, pointing to the line of children and parents that stretched from the Imperial to Seventh Street.

Stuffed animals, dolls, board games and radio headphones were donated by local organizations including New Hope Community Center, radio station WAAW, Hobbytown USA, Augusta Lynx, Shoney's restaurants, Southern Travel, and Georgia Bank and Trust. Individuals also donated gifts.

It was the second day Nimmi Allison had made the trip due to a mix-up in scheduling the event. Many residents waited Monday morning for the giveaway until they learned the event had been changed to Tuesday. They were also told that adults without children wouldn't receive gifts.

Children take a peek through a window to see how the toy giveaway is proceeding.JONATHAN ERNST/STAFF

For Sonjia Crenshaw of Augusta, who brought her two girls to the giveaway, it was the first time attending the annual event.

``I did it because I'm off from work and an extra toy won't hurt,'' she said. ``Every little bit counts.''

Some people were frustrated with the event, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

``It's a nice idea. I remember seeing James Brown at the Apollo when I was a kid,'' said Yvette Ausby, who said she wished the event had been a more organized.

Around 11:30 a.m., children were led through the lobby of the theater and handed a plastic bag with a toy and a dollar bill.

By noon, all of the toys were gone and children received just a dollar.

Jeryl Booker of James Brown Enterprises estimated that toys valued at $5,000 and about $400 in cash were given away.

Margaret Weston can be reached at (706) 823-3217 or mweston@augustachronicle.com.