CHICAGO (CBS) — A gym for tumblers and cheerleaders on the South Side turned into something unexpected on Saturday – the site of a gift giveaway.
Tables at a youth gym on 95th Street in the Pullman neighborhood were filled with toys to give families a second chance at Christmas.
In this gym, self-confidence grows by leaps and bounds.
“I do tumbling here, because I want to get better at my flips,” said 11-year-old Kris’Tina Mills who tumbles with the Chitown Champions. “Before, I didn’t want flip in front of all these people, but then I started to get used to it and it gives you confidence.”
The Chitown Champions tumbling team shares the gym with the Chi-Town Cats cheerleaders.
Chitown Champions coach Roger Franklin believes tumbling and cheering builds young leaders.
“Our mission is hope,” he said. “Tumbling is the draw to get into the hearts and minds to empower our young people.”
This holiday season – the leaders of this gym are setting a good example. Franklin said a business partner donated dozens of toys, which were given away on Saturday by the Chitown Champions and Chi-Town Cats.