Four more families’ lives were enhanced Thursday thanks to the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation and community donors. The Foundation has now impacted 60 homes over the last 7 years, providing needed furniture, supplies, and gifts to families in the community who deserve a helping hand.
The Foundation’s Hands Up To Succeed (HUTS) program was established in 2016 to enhance the living conditions of deserving, disadvantaged families. Founder Alma Randolph always stresses that it’s truly a “hand up” not a “handout” because there is a selection process. Each time they reveal a home, Randolph says the families must show they are working to better their situation.
The Foundation changed the format a bit this year to allow families the opportunity to decorate their homes before Christmas. Four families were the recipients of furniture, groceries, much needed household items/home decor, clothes and gifts. Hometown IGA also provided Christmas dinner for all the families.
One of the homes blessed Thursday belongs to 71-year-old Irene Blair, who is the lone guardian of three grandchildren and her adult disabled son. Blair’s husband recently died, so now — with a tree filled with gifts, a new living room set, and four new bed sets — she said she doesn’t have to worry as much anymore.
“I love it, and I just didn’t know I was going to get surprised,” she said.
The second recipients were the Stubbs family. Joan Stubbs is single-handedly raising her three grandchildren, and the family was previously homeless. Thanks to HUTS, they now have four new bedroom sets, a kitchen set, a dining set, living room furniture, and clothes for the children.
From the moment she walked in, Stubbs was in tears. But when she walked into the kitchen, she needed to sit and take a moment to soak in her new home.
“Thank you all, this is amazing. I just don’t have much to say, but with God all things are possible,” she said. “I love to cook. That’s my passion and baking cakes.”
The third recipients were the Filyaw family. Both parents in the family of four are unemployed due to health related issues. They received living room furniture. and bedroom furniture.
Lastly, the Brown family received clothes and gifts for Christmas. They will be receiving more once their apartment is ready in January.
Community partners for this year’s Christmas HUTS program included Atmos Energy, American Freight, First Baptist Church, and Longhorn Restaurant.
