Stormy’s Helping Hand

I have never been homeless. I have never known what it’s like to go hungry for more than twelve hours. But, I do know what it’s like to eat Ramen noodles on Christmas Eve and a bag of popcorn on Christmas day because I had five dollars to my name and no invitation from friends or family. It’s probably one of the worst feelings I can remember experiencing.

As I sit here, two days before Christmas, there is not a single decoration in sight—not a bowl of candy, or a plate of cookies. Nor a tree, or lights or any of those things. For me, this is a choice. For many Americans this year, it is not a choice. We have the highest unemployment rate in recorded U.S. history and those who have jobs go into work wondering if today will be the day they become one of the many standing in line for benefits.

This isn’t breaking news or anything, but it is the reason why I’m writing this today.
When the opportunity to be a sponsor for Eden Gives Back for Christmas, the very first organization I thought to donate to was Hosea Feed the Hungry. It’s an Atlanta-based organization founded by Hosea Williams and it embodies the spirit and life’s work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, they open their doors to all of Atlanta’s homeless to provide a traditional holiday feast with all of the trimmings. In the last five years, donations have been at an all time record-low. Because of this, they have had to concentrate on the everyday issues that homeless parents and children experience while trying to rebuild their lives.

Now, because of the wonderful and extremely generous community members of Eden I am proud to say that a donation has been made in the amount of $674.37! That’s a whole lot of turkey and stuffing and cranberry relish! I just can’t tell you how much it warms my heart to be able to make this donation on behalf of the many community members who put up their hard earned points to make someone’s life is brighter for the holidays. It truly is amazing what people can do when we all work together! Thank you to everyone and my wish for you is that it comes back to you three-fold. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!