CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rapper DaBaby helped several families get into the Christmas spirit during his annual Christmas giveaway.
The rapper held the event at the Eastway Church of God on Saturday afternoon. DaBaby mentioned the event on his Instagram page on Friday, and the next day families began lining up as early as 6 a.m. During the giveaway, bikes, basketballs, toys, and even TVs were shared.
When WCNC Charlotte asked the rapper about what drove him to hold this giveaway, he credited his mother for the inspiration.
"I always remember my mom, even when we had less, like when we didn't have enough, when we was barely holding on, when she was making ends meet, I always remember her going outside and us helping others," he said. "There's not a time in my life that my mama wasn't helping somebody else, you know what I'm saying?"
DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, said the annual giveaway helps put an earlier part of his life into perspective and how far he's made it since.
"I remember long periods of time where she struggled to take care of me and my brothers," he said, "and now that I'm blessed enough to be able to do the same thing, like to go up and put on a positive example on how to do what I saw my mama doing growing up, man, and just give back to people."
Free food, music, and fun activities were also part of the “Santa-Baby” holiday drive. DaBaby's mother also attended and reflected on what the giveaway means to her.
"It's an honor, it's a pleasure, it's so fulfilling. And we plan to give everyone something walking up out of here," she said. "Most importantly, we do want them to know the reason for the season: the love of Christ."
DaBaby shared why this year, he hosted the giveaway at Eastway Church of God: "It's the church that I had attended since maybe eight years old. I grew up in this church."
While he focused on helping others, DaBaby encouraged others who are able to lend a helping hand to those in their communities.
"Give back," he said. "Give back when you're blessed if you're able to bless others."
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.