T.I. introduced objective and celebration to Atlanta on Tuesday because the Harris Community Works Turkey Drive marked its twentieth yr at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church the place 1000’s gathered for decent meals turkey giveaways and a vacation elevate for households dealing with laborious occasions.

What started as a modest mission to assist elders and kids share a Thanksgiving meal has grown into one in all Atlanta’s most enduring vacation traditions.

The church car 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 neighborhood care continues to be alive within the metropolis.

King Harris, Zonnique, Buddy, Red, Young Dro, Shad Da God and T.O. Green for a lineup that stored the group 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 assist.

Mayor Andre Dickens stood earlier than the group 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 great contributor to this community,” Dickens stated as cheers rolled again by way of the lot. “Atlanta is a group project, and Tip and his whole family know how to show up and give a whole lot. What you’re doing is making a big difference—especially now, when so many are facing challenges around food.”

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 trouble annually together with Publix Comcast and Norfolk Southern.

She seemed over the lengthy strains of households and volunteers and mirrored on how far the annual luncheon has come. “This family continues to give, give, give,” she stated. “Look at what we’ve accomplished.”

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 the glory goes to God,” he stated. “I stand here today alive, free, healthy, and successful only 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 stuffed the church grounds with heat. Then he turned to the neighborhood along with his trademark urgency.

“Most of all, thank you to the community, because it’s because of y’all that we’re able to stand here today. Happy holidays and let’s go get to work.”

Photos utilized by permission, courtesy CoolKids.Org

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