Local nonprofit brings joy to the holidays with toy giveaway, Dec. 15
This Sunday, DeeDee’s Cry, a Boston-based organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for conversations about mental health, depression, and suicide prevention in communities of color, will host its annual toy giveaway for the fifth consecutive year in partnership with the Roxbury Unity Parade.
Toy Burton, founder and executive director of DeeDee’s Cry, created the organization in honor of her sister, who passed away by suicide at the age of 23 in 1986. Twenty-one years later, in 2017, when Burton was researching resources for a friend struggling with a similar situation to hers, she found that a lot of organizations that were geared towards helping people dealing with depression and thoughts of suicide in loved ones or themselves didn’t address concerns within those realms that were specific to BIPOC communities. And thus, DeeDee’s Cry was born.
Santa and his helper the Grinch get some toy requests. PHOTO: DEE DEE’S CRY
DeeDee’s Cry, named after Burton’s sister, provides resources to those struggling with depression and loss and acts as a resource as well helping families who have been impacted by suicide while also providing mental health education. DeeDee’s cry also provides resources through its collaborative efforts with other organizations geared towards the betterment and uplift of BIPOC communities.
“The partnership between DeeDee’s Cry and the Roxbury Unity Parade for the toy giveaway embodies a shared commitment to empowering Roxbury residents and fostering community resilience,” said Burton.
“This collaboration brings together the strengths of both organizations to address the holiday season’s unique emotional and financial challenges. The toy giveaway provides tangible support to families in need and aligns with both organizations’ missions to uplift and strengthen the Roxbury community through unity, resources, and celebration.”
The holiday season is one that the organization pays special attention to. According to data collected in 2023 by the American Psychological Association, 41% of adults attribute exacerbated levels of stress to the holiday season. And 58% of adults reported that not having enough money to cover the various financial demands of the holiday season is the primary source of that stress.
Common sentiments collected through the data also showed that the majority of people polled found the holiday season to be bittersweet, and close to 40% of adults admitted to turning to unhealthy coping methods like isolation or substance abuse to make it through the holidays.
“The holiday season often magnifies feelings of loss, loneliness, and financial stress, particularly for individuals and families impacted by suicide, loss, or financial hardships,” exclaimed Burton.
“The pressure to celebrate and the absence of loved ones can deepen emotional pain. Our mental health and finances are deeply interconnected, often influencing one another in significant ways. Financial stress, whether from debt, income instability, or unexpected expenses, can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. DeeDee’s Cry tries to alleviate stress in an otherwise stressful time by providing toys, laughter, togetherness, and resources.”
While the toy drive is presumably for children, Burton described the event as generational. As the ability for families to provide their young ones with presents at no cost can have a positive impact on the entire family unit, not just the child. “Kids of all ages attend. The Toy Drive focuses on children, young adults, parents, and grandparents to bring joy and create positive memories for families. Children’s happiness often uplifts the entire family, reinforcing a sense of hope and community.”
And while DeeDee’s Cry pays special attention to the holiday season, they prioritize their mission throughout the year with the same passion they do during the months of November and December. The organization utilizes its social media pages on the platforms Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to share resources and events throughout the community.
“An example would be if the Boston Public Health Commission is having an event for teens, but their target community doesn’t follow their page, how would that population find out about the event? Serving as a hub for information, we help connect individuals and families with opportunities to engage, learn, and access the support they need. Social media allows us to amplify the reach of these events, ensuring that vital resources and services are accessible to those who may benefit from them the most.”
Other initiatives that DeeDee’s Cry embarks on during the holiday season include their Thanksgiving event that was held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, where families who had experienced losing a loved one to suicide were able to come together and remember those who they had lost while also being in community with people who have experienced similar situations.
The upcoming toy giveaway in partnership with the Roxbury Unity parade perpetuates their mission to bring a semblance of cheer and joy to families during the holiday season.
“The partnership between DeeDee’s Cry and the Roxbury Unity Parade for the toy giveaway embodies a shared commitment to empowering Roxbury residents and fostering community resilience,” said Burton.
“This collaboration brings together the strengths of both organizations to address the holiday season’s unique emotional and financial challenges. The toy giveaway not only provides tangible support to families in need but also aligns with both organizations’ missions to uplift and strengthen the Roxbury community through unity, resources, and celebration.”
