Atlanta nonprofit answers call for more toys for needy kids
An Atlanta nonprofit has stepped up to help Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless fulfill the Christmas dreams of hundreds of metro children.
Tony Johns, administrative director of City of Refuge, said the organization will donate 700 toys for the annual Hosea Feed the Hungry Christmas Party Wednesday at the Loudermilk Center.
"We're excited it worked out that we can be a part of what they're doing," Johns said.
He said City of Refuge, which helps families living on the margins, earlier had distributed toys to about 1,000 kids and had plenty to spare. "We were really blessed with a huge outpouring of gifts this year."
Miriam Ledesma, resource development director for Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless, said an error occurred when new workers failed to stop taking names for needy children after the list reached a certain size. That, in addition to overwhelming demand, led to the shortage. The list included nearly 2,000 children.
"It's been a difficult time for more than just a few people," she said. "I don't know what we would have told the kids."
Elisabeth Omilami, president and CEO of Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless, thanked the Atlanta community for its response. She said toys also will be distributed during the organization's Christmas Day dinner at Turner Field.
Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless isn't the only group feeling the pinch. There's also a shortage at the Atlanta Toys for Tots, the annual U.S. Marine Corps drive, said the coordinator, Master Sgt. Edward Barrett. He said the drive needed about 900,000 toys this holiday. As of Monday night, they had about 590,000.
