T.I. introduced objective and celebration to Atlanta on Tuesday because the Harris Group Works Turkey Drive marked its twentieth yr at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church the place 1000’s gathered for warm meals turkey giveaways and a vacation carry for households going through onerous occasions.
What started as a modest mission to assist elders and kids share a Thanksgiving meal has grown into considered one of Atlanta’s most enduring vacation traditions.
The church parking zone pulsed with pleasure as volunteers lined up trays of meals loaded trunks with groceries and welcomed neighbors who arrived lengthy earlier than the 1 p.m. begin time. By day’s finish about 2,000 households acquired full Thanksgiving spreads together with a reminder that group care remains to be alive within the metropolis.
King Harris, Zonnique, Buddy, Purple, Younger Dro, Shad Da God and T.O. Inexperienced for a lineup that saved the gang engaged all through the occasion. Tip, Tameka, and Zonnique labored the giveaway strains themselves, handing out turkeys, greens, potatoes, bread, milk, eggs, pies, cookies and even drink to households who got here out for the vacation help.
Mayor Andre Dickens stood earlier than the gang and saluted Harris’ consistency noting how the rapper’s work has formed Atlanta’s tradition far past music.
“For 20 years, he’s been a fantastic contributor to this group,” Dickens mentioned as cheers rolled again by way of the lot. “Atlanta is a gaggle venture, and Tip and his complete household know methods to present up and provides a complete lot. What you’re doing is making a giant distinction—particularly now, when so many are going through challenges round meals.”
Councilmember Andrea L. Boone who has lengthy labored alongside Harris’ household honored the legacy of leaders like C.T. Martin whereas highlighting the company sponsors that energy the hassle annually together with Publix Comcast and Norfolk Southern.
She regarded over the lengthy strains of households and volunteers and mirrored on how far the annual luncheon has come. “This household continues to present, give, give,” she mentioned. “Take a look at what we’ve completed.”
When Tip took the microphone the cheers rose once more. The multiplatinum artist stepped into his function as neighbor and advocate noting how grateful he felt to nonetheless have the ability to serve the individuals who watched him rise from Bankhead to international success.
“All of the glory goes to God,” he mentioned. “I stand right here right this moment alive, free, wholesome, and profitable solely by the grace of God.”
He thanked Mayor Dickens recalling voter outreach moments they shared by way of the years together with Councilmember Boone Grand Hustle workers his youngsters and the volunteers who crammed the church grounds with heat. Then he turned to the group along with his trademark urgency.
“Most of all, thanks to the group, as a result of it’s due to y’all that we’re in a position to stand right here right this moment. Joyful holidays and let’s go get to work.”
Images utilized by permission, courtesy CoolKids.Org
Associated
