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Missy Elliott spreads holiday cheer to Hampton Roads kids

The superstar helped hand out toys she donated to hundreds of children around the Hampton Roads area.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth's very own Missy Elliott is home for the holidays and spreading the season's cheer.

The Grammy-award-winning rapper returned to her hometown of Portsmouth on Saturday for "Christmas on Missy Elliott Boulevard." During the event, Elliott helped hand out toys she donated to hundreds of children around the Hampton Roads area.

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The kids that participated in the festivities were selected from Portsmouth agencies and area nonprofits, according to a spokesperson. The event was made possible with the partnership of Walmart.

This comes two months after Elliott helped local families in need by donating $50,000 to the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The donation was made on Oct. 17 -- the first anniversary of Gov. Glenn Youngkin recognizing the date as "Missy Elliott Day" in Virginia

On the same day in 2022, the City of Portsmouth also celebrated the star by renaming McLean Street to Missy Elliott Boulevard.

During an exclusive interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" about her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November, Elliott detailed her dedication to her hometown and what drives her to help others.

"Giving back to my hometown is important because I was one of those kids that watched my mother, you know, struggle," explained Elliott. "For me, I'm just like, you know, I'm blessed. And I believe that when you get blessings, they're not for you to harbor them for yourself."

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