Atlantic City's Elijah Langford wanted to do something special for families, especially this Christmas.
So, seeing how hard the state was hit by COVID-19, he decided to find families in four of the hardest hit towns to help for the holiday.
His group joined with NJ Scholars to form Joy 4 Jersey, traveling to four cities to bring some joy to those families in Atlantic City, Camden, Newark and Trenton.
"This year I wanted to expand the effort," Langford said of going to Fran Nicolas at NJ Scholars.
While Langford kept the families' struggles private, he talked of the lost of loved ones, jobs and other hardships.
"We wanted to lighten the burden and provide as much joy as possible," he said.
In Atlantic City, there was Christian Hobbs, a 16-year-old basketball player Langford calls "Future" because he believes his is bright.
Hobbs got Air Pods, a Chromebook, along with sneakers and clothing for basketball.
"He's not had the best year, but he's very resilient," Langford said.
The Sam family has a 6-year-old daughter and twins who are 3.
"Everything you see here, Santa Clause got for you guys," Langford told them, as the 3-year-old boy went right for a car.
"He loves cars," his older sister said.
She dreamed of everything "Frozen."
It was more than $700 worth of toys for the kids.
In his hometown, Langford went a little further, with a socially distanced night for many in the neighborhood, including Happy Meals and toys.
A full video details the trip to all four towns.
