About 38 years ago, Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said he “had a miserable Christmas” because he was mad at his family and chose to spend the day alone. “I was so lonely,” Smith said. “I said to myself, ‘I think this happened to me because God wanted me to know how people feel on Christmas when they’re lonely and don’t have anyone to share the holidays with’.” Smith’s experience led him to create the annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway, which he said is in its 37th year. He started the giveaway in honor of his late mother, Reverend Julia Smith. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, stacks bags of popcorn on a table to be given to visitors during the 36th annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway in Gary on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) The giveaway is free to attend, and gifts are available for all ages. Each person can take one gift. On Monday, Smith said the giveaway had enough gifts for about 1,000 people, and they opened early because participants were lining up outside the building. Angel Dixon, a Gary resident, waited with her 5-year-old daughter Harmony for about one hour before picking out gifts. Dixon learned about the Spirit of Christmas giveaway from Harmony’s daycare. “Honestly, I needed to get (Harmony) something for Christmas,” Dixon said. “And it’s a nice thing that they’re doing. This is my first time participating, and it’s been great.” Volunteer Brenda Booyer, on right, helps a parent choose a gift for their daughter during the 36th annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway in Gary on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) Smith buys all gifts for the giveaway. “What I do is, during the year, starting the day after Christmas, I’m out buying gifts because they’re half price,” he said. “I store them in the attic, I store them at Glen Theatre, and then we bring them to whatever site we’re going to use.” Gary Councilman Dwight Williams, D-At Large, helps Smith with the event. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Williams said the giveaway also had a dinner. Volunteer Debra Davis takes a ticket to exchange for a free gift during the 36th annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway in Gary on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) “We’re trying to get it to that size again,” Williams said. “Hopefully next year we can do the dinner as well. But for right now, we just want to make sure that every child in the area has a present for the season.” It’s always good to see people in the community helping each other, especially at Christmas time, Williams said. Dorothy Bradley, a volunteer, helped pass out gifts for pre-teen girls as well as coats and hats. Although she said she knows they are in need, Bradley enjoyed seeing families at the giveaway. Children are given gifts, popcorn, and candy as part of the 36th annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway in Gary on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) “It’s heartbreaking, but we have to realize these are challenges nowadays,” she added. “I just hope that I can help turn things around, and people can have a nice Christmas and other holidays of that nature.” [email protected]