Throughout the past week, staff and volunteers at Johnson Park Center in Utica distributed food and gifts to families in need, just in time for the holidays.
Monday through Wednesday, the organization provided hundreds of gifts to members of the community.
It’s a way to help out during an unprecedented holiday season.
"People are really suffering at this time,” said Rev. Dr. Maria Scates, the founder and CEO of Johnson Park Center.
Scates founded the organization 25 years ago. She’s no stranger to the hardships some who visit JPC are experiencing.
"I was once homeless, sleeping in abandoned buildings and cars. I understand what it is not to have food on the table,” she said.
Now she’s the CEO of the organization making sure that families have what they need for the holidays.
This year’s event had to adapt to the circumstances, including having neighbors register to avoid large crowds.
On top of giving away gifts, volunteers were also giving out bags of food.
"I love to help people, any time of the year, but especially now with COVID and during the holidays, everybody needs a little extra help,” said Olivia Jones, a volunteer.
While gifts and food were being given out outside, volunteers and staff worked inside to make sure bags were filled with toys and other special items.
"It makes me feel good, great. I'm helping out, there's people that don't have what we have,” said volunteer Deirdre Rodriguez.
What goes into each bag depends on the age and gender of the recipient. Once complete, they’re marked with a registration number and brought outside for distribution.
Johnson Park Center will have another food giveaway next week before taking a short break for the holidays.
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December 13, 2020 at 01:10AM
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Johnson Park Center Distributes Food & Gifts - Spectrum News
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