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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:30:10 GMT
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:46:32 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:20:38 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:16:44 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
