PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Christmas came a little early in Portsmouth for many families struggling financially, all thanks to one of Hampton Roads' very own superstars: Missy Elliott.
From Barbie dolls to basketballs, hundreds of gifts were put under a tree at Tidewater Community College for many Hampton Roads children. Families attending the event were pre-selected by Portsmouth agencies and area nonprofits.
Among those families was Tonya Dales' During the event, Dale told News 3 that she was having a hard time buying items on her Christmas list. She said the toy giveaway was a true miracle on Missy Elliot Blvd.
"This year has been so difficult for me and I had no idea what I was going to do for my grandchildren," said Dale. "This event right here is one less thing that I don't have to worry about. It is a blessing."
Missy Elliot's mom, Pat, says she knows the pain of not being able to provide for her child. Before Missy Elliott became the big name and five-time Grammy winner she is today, she grew up in Portsmouth, facing hard times like lots of other families.
"I will never forget [when] we had one Christmas where I couldn't give her anything," recalled Elliott. "I was in tears and Missy had reached over to me and she said, 'Mom we'll go to the flea market after Christmas and we will get some real nice things.' Just to see what went on today is like a flashback of where we were."
