Holiday party held for families in need in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Hundreds of families in need were treated Saturday to a holiday party on the North Side, which featured food, games and Santa handing out gifts.

The Dreams for Kids organization, which has been helping underserved families for 29 years, organized the event at Broadway Armory Park. The organization has held the party for nearly 25 years, bringing "between 1,000 and 1,500 kids from all over Illinois who are homeless and severely underserved," said Tom Tuohy, Dreams for Kids founder.

Children played games, made crafts and spent time together in a safe, family friendly environment. For some, this is the only holiday celebration they'll get.

"I am a single parent. I have two kids and one that is graduating high school, next year," said Kiesha Jackson. "I'm doing my best, anything I can get help on, I don't have a problem being there."

The Dream for Kids organization started by serving just 54 people, and has now grown to help 1,500.