Family continues James Brown toy giveaway in Augusta

The children of soul singer James Brown carried on the annual James Brown Toy Giveaway in Augusta on Thursday, nearly one year after his death.

Event organizers say they distributed more than 2000 toys to needy children. Brown's family, businesses, and community groups donated the toys.

Al Sharpton, an activist and politician who was a close friend of Brown's, joined the family at the toy giveaway.

Absent from the giveaway was Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, the singer's widow. Hynie Brown, who is involved in a fierce court battle with the family over Brown's estate, had joined the family in November for a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway in a show of unity. But she told media later that day that family members had mistreated her. Brown's children deny the accusation.

Brown, who grew up in Augusta, died on Christmas Day last year from congestive heart failure brought on by pneumonia.

His children say this holiday will be bittersweet. His daughter Venisha Brown says they'll visit his grave at his daughter's estate and share memories of their dad.

Last year's toy giveaway in Augusta was Brown's last public appearance, just three days before he died.

Family continues James Brown toy giveaway in Augusta

The children of soul singer James Brown carried on the annual James Brown Toy Giveaway in Augusta on Thursday, nearly one year after his death.

Event organizers say they distributed more than 2000 toys to needy children. Brown's family, businesses, and community groups donated the toys.

Al Sharpton, an activist and politician who was a close friend of Brown's, joined the family at the toy giveaway.

Absent from the giveaway was Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, the singer's widow. Hynie Brown, who is involved in a fierce court battle with the family over Brown's estate, had joined the family in November for a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway in a show of unity. But she told media later that day that family members had mistreated her. Brown's children deny the accusation.

Brown, who grew up in Augusta, died on Christmas Day last year from congestive heart failure brought on by pneumonia.

His children say this holiday will be bittersweet. His daughter Venisha Brown says they'll visit his grave at his daughter's estate and share memories of their dad.

Last year's toy giveaway in Augusta was Brown's last public appearance, just three days before he died.