‘Tis the season to give.
Fat Joe, Jim Jones, T.I. Tiny, and more stars have used their celebrity status and resources to give back to residents of their respective hometowns.
From Harlem to Atlanta, Tallahassee, and back, they’re gifting turkeys or full meals to families in need and are even providing some form of holiday cheer.
For Jones, “The holidays are about community, gratitude, and giving.” The Terror Squad frontman reflected on his own struggles from his childhood and expressed, “I can’t forget these people; I will not forget these people.” T.I. and Tiny chose to honor the elders in their community, describing their act of service as “a small gesture of our appreciation for their legacy and sacrifice.”
Meanwhile with the help of artists like Real Boston Richey, cities like Tallahassee are already looking forward to their Christmas giveaway. “We’re doing it and that’s what it’s about, whatever the desire is … Let’s make magic happen,” he shared.
Check out more from these celebrities’ humble initiatives below.
Jim Jones – Harlem
Image Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Jim Jones hosted his annual turkey giveaway with his non-profit organization, VampCares, on Sunday (Nov. 24) in Harlem.
“As someone who grew up in Harlem, it’s important to me to give back to the place that shaped me,” said the “We Fly High” rapper in a statement. “The holidays are about community, gratitude, and giving, and I’m grateful for the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.”
This initiative spotlights Jones’ commitment to supporting Harlem residents.
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Fat Joe – Washington Heights
Image Credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images Fat Joe hosted his annual Thanksgiving food drive at his UP NYC store in Washington Heights on Tuesday (Nov. 26).
PIX 11 reported that hundreds of families showed up to receive holiday essentials including giving away over 1,200 turkeys. The rapper partnered with Krasdale Foods, C-Town, Bravo, Goya, and ShopRite to “maximize this year’s impact.”
Joe reflected on his own upbringing, which inspired the generous initiative. “When I was a kid, my mother struggled a lot; I remember her borrowing from family members so that we could have a Thanksgiving meal,” he shared. “Every year, it seems like the people are struggling just a little bit more. I can’t forget these people; I will not forget these people.”
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T.I. And Tiny – Atlanta
Image Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Black Music Honors T.I. and Tiny took over Atlanta’s Jackson Memorial Baptist Church on Tuesday (Nov. 26) to entertain and gift Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens.
Per TMZ, the day was very festive, and even country star Blanco Brown pulled up to support and perform his hit, “The Git Up” with the Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders.
Of the event, T.I. told the outlet, “My family and I are deeply honored to give back this Holiday Season by providing complete Thanksgiving meals to over 1,200 seniors and serving 300 meals for them today,—the generation that paved the way for us all. This is just a small gesture of our appreciation for their legacy and sacrifice.”
Derrick Coleman – Detroit
Image Credit: Simon Bruty/Allsport/Getty Images Former NBA all-star Derrick Coleman organized the 27th annual All-Star Giveback, which was held at Detroit’s Eastern Market on Tuesday (Nov. 26).
In his hometown, Coleman distributed over 5,000 turkeys and meals. Of the event, he told a local news outlet, “It actually started in my neighborhood. I’m from 12th Street here in Detroit. Now, we’re making sure families have not only access to food but also hope. If we can go to Houston and take over for a football game, why can’t we do the same and take over for our city?”
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He was joined by fellow basketball legend, Gary Payton, who came from Oakland to help.
“God put us on this Earth to do this type of stuff,” Payton expressed. “He gave us fame and money so we can return to our cities and help where it’s needed most.”
Detroit resident Dionne Stanley praised Coleman and stressed the event’s importance because of the rising food costs. “We need more of this,” Stanley said. “The way costs are rising, this really helps our community. It was a long wait, but it was worth it.”
Real Boston Richey – Tallahassee
Image Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images Rapper Real Boston Richey hosted a Thanksgiving giveaway earlier this week in his hometown of Tallahassee, Fla. Held at the Good News Outreach (GNO) building, families gathered for food and a photo op with the 27-year-old rapper.
Per Tallahassee Democrat, GNO’s Executive Director Talethia Edwards said that the annual turkey drive ” wouldn’t have been possible without Richey.”
They announced via Facebook that they were hoping to get 200 turkeys donated and Richey came through with more than they anticipated.
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“I know just how a little help can make other people feel better,” said the “Bullseye 2” rapper of the full circle moment. “I know I’m in a position to do it, so that’s more of what I want to do.”
GNO is already planning their Christmas event and Richey has expressed interest in participating. “We’re doing it and that’s what it’s about, whatever the desire is … Let’s make magic happen,” he shared.
