Latoya McNeil, 7, of Augusta, hugs James Brown before the toy giveaway at the Imperial Theatre on Thursday. Mr. Brown gave out hundreds of toys and bicycles to area parents and children. PATRICK J. KROHN/STAFF

Godfather of Soul brightens holiday

Community donations for annual giveaway provides area children with toys for Christmas

Web posted December 24, 1999

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By Steven Uhles
Staff Writer

It's a cold morning two days before Christmas, and families began lining up outside the Imperial Theatre on Broad Street by 9 a.m.

But they weren't waiting for Santa Claus in his sleigh.

Instead they were waiting for music legend James Brown to pull up in a long, black limousine.

Mr. Brown arrived at 1:15 p.m., seasonally dressed in red leather with a Santa hat perched on his head -- ready to distribute gifts to Augusta children who otherwise may have had no Christmas presents.

By the time Mr. Brown arrived, the line stretched down the block and around the corner.

``We left the house at 6:30 this morning,'' said Waynesboro resident Sheila Rozier. ``We tried to do this last year but we got here too late, so we planned this last night.''

Tonya Brown, right, hands a toy to Chris Meyers, left, and his son Deion, 2, as Raquel Brooks holds Dante Meyers, 1, and Victoria Evans, 6, gets a play tea set at the James Brown toy giveaway at the Imerial Theatre Thursday. Tonya Brown, James Brown's granddaughter, and other helpers gave out hundreds of toys and bicycles to parents and children. PATRICK J. KROHN/STAFF

Ms. Rozier's planning earned her and sons Jacquez and Junior a spot at the head of the line.

The toys were gathered through donations by local stores, businesses and individuals and placed in two piles -- one for boys and one for girls -- on a long table in the Imperial's front foyer.

Each child was given a toy and a smile as they filed through.

``I look forward to this,'' Mr. Brown said. ``We all look forward to it every year. Hopefully it will just get better and better.''

Now in its seventh year, Mr. Brown said he has no intention of stopping the annual event, promising to continue ``as long as the good Lord gives me the strength and good health.''

Longtime James Brown associate Danny Ray said he also looks forward to the event every year.

``If just one child can have a toy it's a good thing,'' Mr. Ray said. ``When you see joy on a child's face it makes you feel good. When you help somebody, you help yourself.''

Neroy Pollock brought his godson Larry Johnson to the event.

``I wanted to make sure that he got something special from James,'' Mr. Pollock explained. ``So I thought I'd bring him over.''

Smiling, Mr. Pollock held up the toy electric guitar the little boy received -- an appropriate present for his godson from the Godfather of Soul.

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or suhles@hotmail.com.