AUGUSTA, Ga.---The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, played Santa Claus today for his annual toy giveaway at the Imperial Theater, and the rain didn't stop hundreds from coming out.

Even at the age of 73, James Brown never disappoints his hometown.

Kids lined up, some for hours, waiting for toys and autographs. It's a giveaway the Godfather has continued for 15 years.

And it's inspiring others.

"It's a great example, and it's led others like me to come out to join him to do what I did today," said Commissioner Joe Bowles.

For a man who says $5 was the most he ever got for Christmas as a young boy, Mr. Brown and others know the gift behind the giving.

"There's a lot of families here that ain't got much, or else they wouldn't be here if they had something," said parent Ervin Molina.

"I look around, I see all y'all's faces," Mr. Brown said. "I know everybody in here, they're offspring of people I was raised with."

Though he should be the one getting the thanks, in good ole' James Brown fashion, he's not taking all the credit.

"I thank Augusta, I thank the CSRA, I thank our president, I thank our government, most of all, I thank God," he said.

Some of the toys were donated by Comcast and local radio stations.

Mayor Deke Copenhaver and Commissioner Bowles also pitched in.