About The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 10, 2019)
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 -16, 2019 PAGE 5B A coat drive for families in need was held Dec. 22 at Wade Walker Family YMCA in Stone Mountain A A ■ 1 MW f -I Jar j|r # ™ I Nonprofit seeking new home to continue giving BY HORACE HOLLOMAN Officials of a local organization dedicated to helping mothers and children are hoping that 2019 will be the year they find a new home. Carolyn Watson, founder of Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure (H.O.M.E.), a nonprofit organization based in DeKalb County that delivers furniture to mothers in need, said the group needs a new place of its own to continue its charitable work. Watson said the organization’s 2019 motto is “God bless the dream in 2019.” She said she hopes the organization continues to expand in the new year. “We’re searching for a permanent home for H.O.M.E.,” Watson said, laughing. “It’s a must that the doors to a brand-new warehouse swing open. We’ve outgrown the one we’re in now. I believe there’s so much greater in store for H.O.M.E. There’s so much in store for 2019.” H.O.M.E. officials said they delivered furniture to 218 mothers and children during 2018. The organization also gave 120 prom dresses to teens who could not afford them during their Priceless Princess Prom Expo. “We commend and honor the single mothers and children who we’ve served who are bravely fighting the good fight of faith. H.O.M.E. is proud to be a community resource to help those seeking betterment of life for themselves and their families,” Watson said. H.O.M.E. had a busy December and was involved in a holiday coat and toy drive that benefitted hundreds of families in need on Dec. 22 at the Wade Walker Family YMCA in Stone Mountain. According to organizers of the event, the L.O.V.E. (Love Out-Loud Voyage Event) in Action program distributed 614 coats to 243 people. The coats were provided by Good Morning America, Burlington Coat Factory, Delivering Good and distributed by H.O.M.E. Officials said the community coat drive will become an annual event. “We just wanted to put love into action and show people that love is still real and alive among our people and in our community,” said Watson. The family event also featured a Toys for Tots giveaway with more than 500 toys distributed. The coat drive, which began last year, started by chance. Watson said the organization was contacted by Good Morning America to join the Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Coat Drive initiative. Last year H.O.M.E. distributed approximately 1,000 coats to residents and community partners such as Chris 180, My Sister’s House and New Life Church. “I’m still so amazed and still in awe,” Watson said. “We didn’t go out and decide we were going to give away coats; that initiative was offered to us and we’re so thankful for the help we have received. Freely you give and freely you get...we’ve received these coats by the grace of God.” rt.O.yl/.£. Organization Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure distributed more than 500 toys to children with the help of Toys for Tots.
