American filmmaker Tyler Perry is feeding 5000 families for the American holiday Thanksgiving.
The powerhouse director, actor, writer and producer gave back to his community of Atlanta, Georgia. This Sunday, Perry has organized a Thanksgiving food giveaway through his production company, Tyler Perry Studios.
Perry announced this on Thursday and the event took place today from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside of the studios’ headquarters. During the Thanksgiving event, Perry distributed non-perishable food items and gift cards to up to 5000 local families in need.
“First come, first serve of 5,000 families while supplies last. Although we wish that we could feed everyone in need we will close the line at the 5,000th family,” Perry’s event poster reads.
According to the local news stations in Atlanta, the line for the giveaway stretched for miles. Fox 5 reporter Emilie Ikeda tweeted a video of the event, noting that “the first car in line got here at 3 p.m… YESTERDAY,” and that the lines caused a bit of traffic.
In order to keep the families safe, the event was conducted as a drive-thru; requiring families to stay in their cars while receiving food. The event also required the beneficiaries to wear face masks at all times.
This is just one of several charitable deeds Perry has delivered this year. In April, he gave $21,000 in tips to workers at one of his favourite local restaurants. Also, Perry paid for the groceries of Atlanta seniors.
In his recent cover story for Variety, Perry said that he strives “Just to try and use what I’ve been given — this platform [and] the gifts that I’ve managed to have — to celebrate and encourage and lift other people.”
