HOME BIOGRAPHY PHOTO GALLERY SENIOR CITIZENS NEWS LINKS CONTACT                       Giving is never out of season By Gwen Calmese Wright, Post-Tribune correspondent GARY - Who said Christmas only comes once a year? Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer may have a very shiny nose, but Lake County Commissioner Rudolph Clay, D-Gary, has a very shiny heart - a heart that glows with the spirit of giving. For the second year Clay played Santa Claus to more than 250 children. Smiling faces and joyous hearts capped the morning as he and volunteer workers handed out a variety of toys at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary. The commissioner's wife Chris was also there with rolled up sleeves and a helping hand. A number of eager children were early birds. They arrived about an hour before the toys were distributed, and waited patiently in line. The wait was well worth their while because soon their bags were filled with presents. Rhodney Lewis, 7, was one of four children brought by Marie Richards. Lewis was fortunate enough to be the first boy in line, and, therefore, was the proud winner of the first bicycle given away. "It's great for the children to receive extra gifts," said Mrs. Richards. The children weren't the only ones waiting in line, however. They were accompanied by parents and grandparents who had nothing but good things to say about the giveaway. Mr. & Mrs. John Sears were there to witness their grandson, Brandon Hall, 7, win a bicycle. "We are so proud that our grandson won," they said. Other bicycle winners were Brianna Cooper, 2, and Jeremy Adams, 9. "I really wanted a bike for Christmas, and I was disappointed when I didn't get it. I am so happy that I won. This is really cool," Adams said. Anna McCoy was there with her two grandchildren and said "It's nice for children who are less fortunate and didn't receive anything for Christmas." "Yes," added Pam Rigors and Susanne Pruznak of Lake Station. "It's a blessing and a gift from God for our children." Other thankful parents shared this sentiment. It was heartwarming to note that not everyone was there for him or herself. Myles Tolliver came out to get a gift for someone else. "My friend was unable to make it, and I wanted him to have something," he said. His mother, Phillipa Tolliver was very positive about Clay's kind gesture. "Some children got what they wanted; now the commissioner has provided an opportunity for extras," she said. Included, but not limited to the gifts and toys that were given away, were electronic games, skates, gym shoes and stuffed animals. Most noted were bicycles and the infamous Cybertron Transformer. Among dignitaries on hand to assist the commissioner were Chief of the Lake County Sheriff's Department Miguel G. Arredondo, his wife Letty Arredondo, and Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party and Precinct Committeewoman Elsie Franklin. Vice Chairman of the City Democratic Party Phillis Rosemond was also there. She said, "People think that Commissioner Clay is only concerned about the senior citizens, but he loves the children, too." Before the giveaway began, Clay stood around hugging The Creature from the Black Lagoon, a bright green stuffed monster that he said was one of his favorite toys for the children this year. One could easily see that the commissioner's belated expression of love during the holiday season was close to his heart as he directed workers and helped arrange the assortment of gifts.	Clay gives fundraiser to build more wheelchair ramps. Click here.               There is a change in the way lots can be disposed of. Click here.               Clay proposes using casino funds to pay property taxes for senior citizens. Click here.                 Clay holds the "Toys for Kids that Santa Claus Forgot" program. Click here.
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