By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
INGLEWOOD — McDonald’s of Southern California, in collaboration with KJLH Radio, hosted “Stuff a Bus” at locations in Inglewood, Lawndale and Los Angeles Dec. 13.
This marks the third year that McDonald’s supported Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys event by receiving toys from the community for the annual Christmas event.
The participating McDonald’s locations were at 2900 Imperial Highway in Inglewood, 3602 S. La Brea Blvd. in Los Angeles, and 15606 Hawthorne Blvd. in Lawndale.
Last year Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance at the Inglewood location and serenaded attendees and drive-through customers.
“I want to say thank you to KJLH for partnering with us and this time of year is really hard for a lot of people and if we can open our parking lot and heart to make an opportunity to have some children have a better Christmas we will say ‘yes’ every time,” said McDonald’s owner/operator Kerri Harper Howie at the McDonald’s on Crenshaw and Imperial with KJLH hosts Adai Lamar and Lon McQ.
“If you walk into our lobbies on any given morning you will find a group of guys playing chess because we are a community space and we are so happy to be ingrained in the community and provide a safe space and good food.”
KJLH deejays Guy Black, Adai Lamar, Tammi Mac, Lon McQ, Kevin Nash and Aundrae Russell battled to see which McDonald’s location could gather the most donations and fill the most buses with toys as they broadcasted live from the three participating McDonald’s locations between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
With help from Delete the Divide, WalkGood LA and more, Angelenos donated more than three busloads of toys, laptops and gift cards that yielded more than 3,000 gifts for children and teens.
Delete the Divide generously donated 50 laptops to the event.
Various elected officials from were also on hand to greet Angelenos who participated.
“Stuff the Bus” culminated with Wonder’s annual Christmas show Dec. 14 at Crypto.com Arena with this year’s Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart marking the 25th anniversary of Wonder’s House Full of Toys benefit concert.
Attendees brought more unwrapped toys and gifts that are distributed directly to children, people with disabilities, and families in need.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
