Councilwoman Helen Willis took part in the Thanksgiving giveaway at Welcome All Park in South Fulton, Georgia, which served over 300 families in the community with turkeys, greens, and other food items.
Willis spoke with rolling out about the giveaway, the reactions from the families receiving the food, and her words of encouragement to families who may have lost loved ones.
What did the families receive during the giveaway?
The families received a turkey, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and a box of Stove Top dressing.
What do you hear from the families that receive the food during the holidays?
They’re grateful and thankful. We’re still in the fallout from the pandemic, and many families are still in need. People are still facing food insecurity. The cost of food is higher and the cost of fuel is higher. … We’re here as a municipality, just trying to give thanks to our people who pay taxes and people who live here and support our government.
What’s your mission and goal when you do this every year?
My goal is to help eradicate food insecurity. My mission and my goal was to make sure every family has food on their table, and not just any food, but nutritious food on their tables to feed their family.
What is that message that you give to those who have lost a loved one and are trying to get through the holidays?
I lost my mother last June, so I know what it feels like to have a big loss. I just want to say we’re all in this together. Let’s support one another. Let’s talk about our loved ones. Let’s give back in the memory of our loved ones and a memory of their legacy, and that’s what I do. My mom was a giver, so I try to give.
