Walter Payton was a part of our Department of Children and Family Services family. While he will clearly be immortalized for his athletic talent on the field, we will remember him for his commitment and generosity to DCFS children and families. He was Santa–an anonymous donor of 2,000 bags of toys and gifts–every year to our holiday parties for five years before making himself known to us in 1997. That year he increased his giving to 9,000 gift bags.
Walter Payton’s foundation made the holidays happy for more than 23,000 kids last year. This was not just a toy or gift per child but a real bag from Santa with at least $100 worth of merchandise in toys and personal items such as jeans, flannel shirts and boots. In 1998 Walter Payton’s foundation took over all of the DCFS holiday giveaway operations in Cook County and the northern region of Illinois, and raised approximately $3 million in contributions for toys and gifts.
We are touched and humbled by the decision of Walter Payton’s widow, Connie Payton, that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers should donate toys and gifts for the state’s abused and neglected children. This is symbolic of the love and care that the Paytons shared with thousands of children over the years.
We will remember Walter Payton as a superhero to our children. We won’t forget this man or his kindness. We mourn the loss and cherish the legend.
