The spirit of giving was robust in metro Atlanta this Christmas, as Hosea Helps led the charge in providing meals and toys to families facing hardship. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the nonprofit, which has been serving free holiday meals since 1971, saw nearly 200 volunteers come together to feed 1,500 people on Christmas Day. "Forty percent of those are at risk of being homeless or are already homeless somewhere in a shelter; the other 55% are struggling to keep the utilities going," Hosea Helps’ COO, Afemo Omilami, highlighted the dire straits of many the organization aids.
Hosea Helps, a stalwart in community service, did not halt at meals. They expanded their generosity to encompass the joy of children, delivering toys to families across the metro area. "Taking it to them, we thought, would be like Santa delivering toys," said Almelia Chapman, Hosea Helps' lead case manager, in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First. The organization, buoyed by donations, provided presents for 700 children, with 349 families receiving this much-needed dose of holiday cheer. Notably, 160 of these families are either homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The impact of these efforts is not lost on the community. April Hicks, grandmother of five grandchildren who benefited from the toy donations, told Atlanta News First, "I’m very grateful for the things they do for our community, since forever ... I can remember back in the 70’s," echoing the enduring legacy of Hosea Helps in the Atlanta area.
In a season often marked by material gain, Hosea Helps has remained focused on the essentials of kindness and support. Chapman explained the dual benefit of their work: "It means everything to them because a lot of parents feel like they failed. ‘I can’t get my child toys. I can’t do this for my child.’ So it does a lot for both the parents and for the kids," conveying a sentiment of relief and thankfulness among families who are striving to provide amidst financial challenges, as noted by Atlanta News First.
