December 5, 2023
Offset Set Off The Holidays With More Than Just ‘Toys 4 The Nawf’
Rapper Offset's annual 'Toys 4 The Nawf' giveaway provided more than just toys. The focus on community health and wellbeing was abundant.
Offset remains busy with a growing family, music career, and work with The Ann Cephus Foundation, named after his maternal grandmother. Still, the 31-year-old BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 recipient felt it was important never to forget the community that raised him. The responsibility to give back weighed on the Atlanta rapper until the pressure spurred him to begin ‘Toys 4 The Nawf.’
On Dec. 2, Offset hosted his second annual “Toys 4 The Nawf” giveaway at Berkmar High School in Gwinnett County. The rapper returned to his alma mater to spread some Christmas cheer early in the holiday season. Toys 4 The Nawf was part giveaway and carnival. While families received holiday gifts, they were treated to many other delights.
The Berkmar High School gym was filled to capacity. Inflatable bouncy structures, carnival games, and snacks were plentiful, and Black Santa was available for holiday pictures. Local barbers teamed up to provide free haircuts for children to get their holiday swag on point.
The partnership between the school and the Ann Cephus Foundation helped supply winter sweaters and age-appropriate toys. In addition to giving back to the children, Xfinity Wireless came through to help families without internet access get signed up for free service.
BE spoke with Offset about taking time off from promoting his new album to give back.
“I just feel like I’m not doing my duty if I don’t come back to the community,” the Grammy Award winner told BE.
“I’m going to do this every year. Give back to my people and never forget them. I see the beautiful kids’ faces and how it makes them smile to be in my presence. It’s an inspiration to them.”
Knowing the pinch some people experience during the holiday season, Offset aims to be helpful and inspiring.
“I want to inspire the kids and help my people out. It’s hard times, especially for our people, especially around the holidays. So I’m here for ya’ll,” the hip-hop artist said.
Over the school year, three Berkmar High students made headlines for overdosing on school grounds. The substances that caused the students to overdose are unknown, though all three students are reported to be “OK.”
The introduction of Narcan, a stimulant used to help counteract the effects of an opioid overdose, into school systems is a new initiative spearheaded by the county. The Gwinnett Health Department was on deck to hand out free Narcan kits and train recipients on how to administer the potentially life-saving inhalant. The Gwinnett County Health Department’s involvement at “Toys 4 The Nawf” speaks to Offset’s commitment to his community and alma mater beyond gifting material items.
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