Kanye West dubbed “modern day Santa” after donating 4,000 toys in Chicago
"He is no stranger to our community"
By Ella Kemp
Kanye West has been called a “modern-day Santa” after donating thousands of toys in Chicago.
The rapper, who changed his name to “Ye” this year, has been praised by the local community of his hometown after making a donation to the 2021 Chicago Toy Drive.
Politician Stephanie Coleman, 16th Ward Alderman, told ABC7 news of Kanye West‘s donation and dubbed the musician the community’s “modern-day Santa Claus”.
“I’m so proud that Kanye is, once again, responding to our request to help the children of Englewood and beyond,” she said. “
He is no stranger to our community. His presence has always been felt in our neighbourhoods and he loves visiting, but this Christmas he has truly been our modern-day Santa Claus.”
West purchased nearly all 4,000 toys for the event, which were given away yesterday (December 19) at an event in Englewood.
Meanwhile, Kanye West teamed up with Drake to perform a number of hits at a benefit concert advocating for the freedom of jailed ex-gang leader Larry Hoover.
The two rappers walked down the LA Coliseum’s steps together at the start of the concert. Drake later took a moment to pay tribute to Ye. “It’s important that we make this happen,” he said.
“When we were walking through the archway right there it felt surreal, it felt like a dream. It was something that I always wanted to do, you know, be on stage with one of my idols while he’s running through one of the best catalogues of music – period.”
Their benefit show was organised to raise awareness and push for Hoover’s freedom. He is currently serving six life sentences for charges relating to gang activity. Ye previously unsuccessfully lobbied former US president Donald Trump to pardon him.