As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving shines brightly in Atlanta, thanks to the efforts of local hip-hop icon T.I. and his Harris Community Works (HCW) organization. On Nov. 26, T.I. launched the 19th annual Harris Community Works Turkey Drive, a beloved event that has become a staple in the Atlanta community, providing essential Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
Event details and community support
This year’s turkey drive took place at the Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, located at 534 Fairburn Rd NW in Adamsville. The event was made possible through the generous support of various sponsors, including the Atlanta Hawks, Humana, Maximum Impact, Kaiser Permanente and the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority. Together, they helped ensure that families in the Westside community received the food they needed for a festive Thanksgiving.
Among the notable attendees were Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, city councilmember Andrea L. Boone and local celebrities Young Dro and DC Young Fly. These figures joined T.I. and his family, including Tameka “Tiny” Harris, to volunteer their time, helping to bag groceries and load cars with turkeys, collard greens, sweet potatoes and other holiday staples.
Young Dro reflects on the importance of giving back
During the event Young Dro shared his personal connection to the cause. The artist, known for his hit song “Shoulder Lean,” recalled a time when he faced food scarcity in his youth. “I’ve been here since the beginning,” Dro told Black Enterprise, emphasizing the heartfelt nature of T.I.’s initiative. He reflected on how the turkey drive has evolved over the years and the significant impact it has on the community.
Dro stated, “When [T.I.] decided to do it, it was just … heartfelt to me.” He recounted the struggles of prioritizing education while dealing with hunger, highlighting the importance of community support. “The partnership is everything,” he affirmed, stressing that collective efforts lead to greater impact. “If everybody does something, one person don’t have to do a lot.”
Mayor Dickens’ commitment to community service
Mayor Andre Dickens echoed Young Dro’s sentiments, expressing his dedication to the annual food drive. The mayor noted the overwhelming need in the community and emphasized the importance of spreading love and gratitude during the holiday season. His plans include spending time with family and friends while continuing to support initiatives that uplift the community.
Harris Community Works: A legacy of giving
Founded by T.I., Harris Community Works is a nonprofit organization under Us Or Else Corp (501c3), dedicated to social justice and community service. For nearly two decades, HCW has provided meals for the Thanksgiving holiday, and it also organizes a Christmas Caravan that has been running for the last eight years. T.I. and his team work tirelessly to donate clothing and toys to individuals through various community-based programs, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends beyond just one holiday.
The power of community collaboration
The Harris Community Works Turkey Drive exemplifies the power of collaboration and community spirit. With the support of local leaders, artists and organizations, T.I. and his team continue to make a significant difference in the lives of many Atlanta residents. As the holiday season unfolds, their efforts remind us all of the importance of coming together to support one another, especially during times of need.
