Today's Al Roker helps local charity for kids


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/18/08

Al Roker rolled into Atlanta early this morning to broadcast a segment of the "Today" show from Cabbagetown and bring $175,000 worth of bicycles, computers, camping gear and sporting equipment to a local nonprofit.

Wilderness Works, which takes urban kids on adventures around town and into the Georgia and North Carolina mountains, is the recipient.

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"This means so much," said William Mickler, the founder and director of Wilderness Works.

"[Today] was looking around for someone like us, and we are thrilled they found us."

Roker said the show began doing the week-long "Lend a Hand Today" segment each year after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. One of the producers heard that local charities were suffering because so much attention was being paid to nonprofits working with the aftermath of that disaster. The show wanted to do something to focus on local communities and charities.

"Hopefully, it inspires viewers to look and see what they can do," Roker said.

What "Lend a Hand Today" does is visit five charities in five cities in five days. Roker shows up with truckloads of whatever the lucky recipient needs most. This year, with the help of sponsors like Schwinn bicycles, they are giving away more than $1 million worth of goods and supplies.

About 30 kids dressed in orange Wilderness Works T-shirts were on hand this morning to clap and cheer as three trucks were opened.

They didn't need the prompting of a "Today" producer to act excited when the doors of three delivery trucks rolled up to reveal mountain bikes, helmets, sleeping bags, day packs and computer monitors.

Bianca Hayes, 16, said, "This is nice. I think this is real nice. This is a blessing. Oh my gosh."

When asked to pick her favorite item of all the gifts rolling off the truck, Alexis Rice, 11, said "All of it."

Roker said doing the segment is gratifying because he knows there is a ripple effect to the show.

"We are getting e-mails from people asking about donating to the charities we feature," he said.

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