Jahlil Beats brings holiday joy to children of Chester
CHESTER » In the seventh annual toy giveaway to children in his hometown, rapper and Chester native Jahlil Beats offered hundreds of residents the opportunity to win a new bike, toys, virtual reality goggles and others gifts Thursday night at the Chatham Terrace Apartments on 611 Central Ave.
The rapper, born Orlando Tucker, wasn’t present Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. but his presence was felt as hundreds squeezed into the community room for a shot a last-minute Christmas gift.
Community liaison Fred Green, the newest member of the Chester Upland School Board had the kids dancing off for first dibs on some presents, which were donated through Beats’ Amari Tucker Charitable Organization.
In past years, his foundation teamed with Toys for Tots, Health Partners Plans, Roc Nation, Whizz Kidz Learning Academy and Yea Nice.
A few young girls challenged each other to a show-stopping routine before two of them were declared winners in a tie. Each walked away with a gift of their choice. Other children were in such awe of their shiny new bike they were at a loss for words.
Signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label in 2011, Jahlil Beats has given back to the city in the form of the annual toy drive, giving away fans to residents during the hot summer months and by serving food to the less fortunate.