Miss Thang's Christmas toy drive is the biggest yet

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14: Every year before Christmas, radio personality Miss Thang fills her studio with dozens of toys for needy children.

She pleads with the public to give a little for a child who doesn’t have a lot.

And this year is no different with a list of more than 100 children.

Miss Thang, also known as Kristy Burgess spoke to the Bermuda Sun about her annual Christmas drive, why she does it and what keeps her motivated.

“My Christmas drive this year is going well but I have to be honest and admit that this year is the biggest to date.

“I have 150 children on my wish list, a waiting list of 50 families and a list of individuals that need assistance with groceries and electricity is just the beginning of everyday duties.

“In the beginning of the year, I set a target goal of $15,000 to raise by January 2012.

“This figure was a direct result of recent lay offs and assistance needed with seniors and families alike.

“As I stared at the target goal before me, I started to ask myself ‘how in the world am I going to raise this money?’

“Without a definitive answer at that time, I decided to take on the role like Nike and ‘Just do it’.

She continued: “With that said, our community has truly been a blessing.

“Despite the challenges with the economic downturn, businesses and individuals alike are still doing their best to assist the ‘Y’ Phenomenal Women’s Association and myself to make a difference in the lives of many.”

Ms Burgess said last year, she had less than 100 people in the wish list.

This year, she expects she will be helping a minimum of 300 families.

Asked why she does the Christmas drive, she said: “This question makes me smile every time someone asks me.

“The main reason of why I do this every year is because I love it. I have a giving heart and a natural gift that God has blessed me with to help people.

“I have realized that what I do is not about me so in knowing that I use my god given talent to make others happy.”

Ms Burgess said her inspiration is the children.

 “As we all know, children did not ask to come into this world and I strongly believe every child deserves the best out of life despite the conditions they have been forced into.

“I was blessed to grow up with a strong family structure. Despite my mother passing away when I was seven and my father being incarcerated, my family structure was sealed with love and spirituality and when I look at our children today all I want to do is give them love and teach them to believe in themselves.”

She added: “I would like to say a special thank you to everyone that is supporting this endeavor especially my Vice President Denise Wilson-Adams who has worked tirelessly to make this Christmas a Christmas to remember."