Sometimes the best holiday spirit starts with a Facebook post—and a whole lot of heart.
Hundreds of cars stretched nearly two miles down Radium Springs Road on Nov. 19, filled with families hoping for a box of food and a little seasonal kindness. They got both.
“I’ve been here since 8:45 this morning,” said recipient Loraine Palmer. “My next-door neighbor gave me a flyer. That’s how I found out.”
The spark came from one local resident.
Tamiko Whitlock, an Albany native, shared a simple idea online — let’s feed families before the holidays. The post snowballed. Churches joined. Civic groups jumped in. Law enforcement offered support. And New Birth Fellowship Church opened its doors.
“When that thought came to mind, I knew how Reverend Gardner worked for the community. He had the connections,” Whitlock said. “So I called him and asked if I could use his venue. He said ‘let’s do it.’”
From there, the parking lot turned into a holiday assembly line: frozen turkeys, fresh produce, canned goods, smiles, handshakes—hope packed one box at a time.
Despite the long wait, spirits stayed high. Whitlock and the team walked the line, talking with families as they waited.
“Grateful. They were thankful that somebody was able to help them in their time of need,” Whitlock said. “And that’s what the church is for, and it stepped up.”
And they’re not stopping. Whitlock says this won’t be the last giveaway — plans are already in motion for more events to make sure no family falls through the cracks this season.
For help—or to help—residents can reach New Birth Fellowship Church on Facebook or at 229-439-8985.
