FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- After suffering a major theft of donated presents just days before Easter, Essie "Big Momma" Reed and her non-profit organization, Team of Life, were able to brighten the lives of children in need in time for the holiday.
Thanks to last-minute donations, her organization gave out about 2,500 gifts including Easter baskets, cakes and shoes to children at Lincoln Park Saturday.
After Reed's van containing Easter goods was stolen Tuesday while parked in front of her organization, churches, businesses and organizations donated everything from baskets to stuffed animals.
The van was later discovered in Miami-Dade County but all the presents inside were gone. James Touchstone, 41, was arrested and charged with grand theft auto and is being held in the Miami-Dade County Jail. He claims he only meant to borrow the van and that an unidentified man just gave him the keys to the van. The vehicle was donated to her by Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga.
On Friday, Miami Dolphins players Dan Stevenson, Travis Daniels and Vonnie Holiday donated Easter baskets to replace those that were recently stolen from the Team of Life organization. Rebecca's Closet also donated 50 dresses for girls who may not have had any.
Big Momma allowed the children to select their choice of gifts and gave out gift bags. "They have food bunny bags," said Reed.
Big Momma credits the grace of God for bringing members of the community to her aid. "And then the community coming together, we all here are together."
Reed has been on a mission to better her Fort Lauderdale community for almost 30 years. She operates out of 2136 NW 8 St. in Fort Lauderdale, which serves as an office for the charity, but also as a community center with computer and study rooms as well as sleeping quarters for the kids Reed shelters. "And I worked hard, begging people to help me to help my children, to help my community because I want to see our kids and our community successful," Reed said.
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