By: Candice Selby

Every year hundreds of people are served warm meals, given clothing and have the opportunity to take hot showers for the first time in weeks. Young children can be seen with ear-to-ear smiles as they received haircuts, gloves, books and toys. Parents of these children look on with gratitude as they give warm thanks to the volunteers involved.  Through this event, those who would have normally gone without food, water and the everyday hygienic care many of us take for granted, had the chance to feel cared for.  For many of these individuals, the Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry and Homeless program has instilled in them the motivation and encouragement needed to make steps towards fulfilling their dreams.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a day to honor a man who dedicated his life to service and humanity for all mankind. He believed that everyone should be treated with respect and given the opportunity to have big dreams along with the confidence to know that they are capable of making those dreams a reality. On this day, events dedicated to the mission and values that Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for, take place all over America. One such event is the annual Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry and Homeless. Started forty years ago by civil rights icons Hosea and Juanita Williams, this program has helped thousands of homeless and low-income individuals meet some of their basic needs for survival. On this past MLK day, volunteers and organizers convened at the Turner Field Stadium in downtown Atlanta in honor of Martin Luther King’s day of service. 

 

Candice Selby is a freelance writer and founder of a women's natural health and wellness blog named Simplistic Chic.  If you are interested in Candice writing about your local event that includes professional photos she can be contacted at candice.selby@gmail.com