Missy Elliott recently made a return to her hometown of Portsmouth, bringing joy and generosity to children and parents during the often stressful holiday season.  

The four-time Grammy-winning artist hosted a gift giveaway at Tidewater Community College, reaching out to families facing financial challenges. 

During the event, a variety of gifts, from bicycles to play kitchen sets, were distributed, ensuring that every child was well-prepared for the upcoming holidays. 

The families in attendance were carefully chosen through collaborations with Portsmouth agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting them throughout the year. 

Pat, Missy Elliott’s mother, also shared her own Christmas experiences from the past, expressing the challenges of not being able to provide for her child.  

Recalling a moment from their past, recounted, “I will never forget one Christmas when I couldn’t give her anything. I was in tears, and Missy reached over to me, saying, ‘Mom, we’ll go to the flea market for Christmas, and we’ll get some nice things.’ Today’s event is like a flashback of where we were.” 

This heartwarming initiative made a significant impact, brightening the holidays for over a dozen families in need.  

Missy Elliott closed the event by taking pictures with the families, and extending warm wishes for a happy holiday season and a Merry Christmas.