Thousands piled into the Georgia World Congress Center Christmas morning for the annual Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Christmas dinner. More than 10,000 people attended the event which aims to help the less fortunate.
About 200 volunteers spent the previous night cooking the meal the DeKalb County Jail. A total of 800 turkeys, 500 pounds of rice, 400 trays of stuffing, 300 gallons of gravy and 3,000 cans of veggies were prepared.
For the 43rd year, volunteers served up that hot meal for some that otherwise would not have enough at the dinner table this holiday.
"Just to bring out the Christmas spirit, the New Year's spirit and I just wanted to change my life with doing something positive," said Lisa Jenkins.
Many received not just dinner but also holiday gifts.
"We want to do something to help honor them and the best way we could honor them is to make sure there was a smile on the face of as many children here in Atlanta as possible," said Elizabeth Omilami, the daughter of Hosea Williams.
Every year, Omilami says this is a massive undertaking but one she does with a great deal of pride. She says the need is always still there.
"They're here at our dinner because they couldn't buy gifts for their children, so these are good hardworking citizens, taxpaying citizens," said Omilami.
Omilami says more often they're finding more families and children among those getting that help.
"It's about our city making a statement that we will not allow our children to suffer on our watch," said Omilami.
This year's meal was dedicated to the children and staff killed in Newtown, Connecticut and that's why volunteers made a special effort to reach out to children in need.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:07:20 GMT
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:57:50 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:32:47 GMT
The wives of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers.
The wives and family members of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers. They say their loved ones are forced to work extra jobs just to make ends meet, leaving little time for family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:19 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:19:31 GMT
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy.
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy. They say he was approached by a man as he got off his school bus on Wednesday, and that man pulled him into a pickup truck. He was able to escape, but the suspect is still on the loose.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says a $652 million plan to deepen the shipping channel to Savannah's seaport remains very much on President Barack Obama's radar.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says a $652 million plan to deepen the shipping channel to Savannah's seaport remains very much on President Barack Obama's radar.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
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