A few years ago, Makinday Johansen had a friend in jail who, due to being imprisoned, was unable to do anything for their daughter for the holiday season.
That is what inspired him to start buying Christmas trees, decorations and food for those in need at Christmastime.
“ I was not planning on doing it this year, but my friends convinced me otherwise and reminded me that people really need help, especially during this pandemic,” he said. “ So, I reached out to my friend Dion Smith, who organizes a Thanksgiving dinner at Rangers club every year, so we all came together as a collective; with his people and my people.”
Mr. Johansen also reached out to many business owners, who were also ready and willing to help. Everyone’s cooperation this year resulted in Christmas toys and gifts of all shapes and sizes for children as young as newborns all the way up to 16 and maybe higher.
Mr. Smith’s cousin, who works with the Coalition for the Protection of Children, also donated quite a few gifts and toys for the organization.
“ A lot of people are not in a position to do things for themselves, so [for us] to be able to do something for people is in and of itself an honor,” Mr. Smith said. “ I’m blessed, so I feel the need to bless others.”
Koshun Durrant has been friends with Mr. Johansen practically since they were born. So when Mr. Johansen called and requested his help with this project, he was there in a heartbeat. “ If people need help, there are people out here who are willing to help you,” Mr. Durrant said.
“ I feel that our community gets a lot of flack, but they do not often see the good that we do . . . there are actually some of us who use our popularity and god-given talent to do good in the community,” Mr Johansen said.
After the Christmas season, the group intends to broaden their horizons and get the entire community, from the youngest to oldest members, back and on the same page. It is all about love.
People who are still interested in contributing to or learning more about the drive can do so by contacting 2k21christmasgiveback@gmail.com.
The organizers would like to thank all of the individual and corporate sponsors who helped make this project possible this year.
They are K&K jet ski rentals, snow fusion, ASAP marine, accurate welding, Roger Broox Trucking, Aura Vibes Rentals, Wave 441, Pacheco & Sons Farming, Shae Whipped, under pressure restorations and Food Factory.————————————————————————————————Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
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