Our Community Comes Together in Generosity: Annual Holiday Giving Event and Giveaway Benefits Hundreds

6 January 2025 By Sierra Trinidad with Photos and Video By David Logan

Dallas, GA – On December 21st, the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation hosted an annual holiday giving event and giveaway for program members and the community to provide support during the holiday season, celebrate the holidays and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Every year we host this heartwarming holiday celebration for all the veterans and families in our Veterans Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math Science, and Upward Bound Programs at East Paulding, Hiram, Rockmart, and Rome high schools. This year we partnered with Dave and Busters in Marietta, GA for an event full of fun with games and food. In the months leading up to the event we host an annual holiday donation drive. Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, organizations, community members, and dedicated volunteers, a wide range of donations, included clothes, food, toys, books, school supplies, and hygiene products were collected and gifted to veterans, children, families, and individuals facing hardships.

Throughout our Holiday Donation Drive, about 75 organizations and individuals participated in giving generously, and these contributions made a significant impact. The items collected were carefully sorted.  Toys and food were packed and delivered to beneficiaries, that signed up for assistance, by our dedicated staff, ensuring a swift and dignified distributions process. Our Veterans Community Resource Center was open throughout the week giving community and program members an opportunity to take clothes, hygiene products, and school supplies. As a result, over 251 veterans, children, families, and individuals have benefited from this generous undertaking.

Many beneficiaries, including veterans and families with young children, expressed their gratitude, reinforcing the importance of community support during challenging times.

The successful event and giveaway were made possible due to the collaboration between local businesses like Dave and Busters, Toys for Tots,

Operation Christmas Child, Live Transformed Ministries, The Alpha Kappa Alpha Paulding Chapter, The Zeta Phi Beta Paulding Chapter, program members, staff, community leaders, and volunteers who provided logistical and promotional support. Special thanks are extended to our dedicated staff for their vital roles in ensuring the giveaway reached the necessary families and individuals.

Looking to the future, the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation remains committed to supporting those in need and hopes to continue such initiatives with the constant and amazing support from the community. For those who wish to contribute or learn more about upcoming events, please visit Learnfoundationinc.org/outreach or contact us directly at dlemelle@learnfoundationinc.org.

The L.E.A.R.N. Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing integral support to both exceptional students and vulnerable populations, and our work reflects the love we have for our community and our commitment to Liberty & Justice for All. Through community outreach and support, we aim to make a difference by providing essential services and items to improve the lives of those we serve.