Gifts of the heart: giving back is an everyday act of love for those who donate time and resources to the community

Ebony, Dec, 1992

WHILE the majority of Americans celebrate the holidays with food feasts and nonstop shopping, a notable number of Black men and women have more on their minds and in their hearts than conspicuous consumption. They are the kind-hearted, social-conscious souls who celebrate the holidays by giving back to those who have almost given up hope on life itself

These good Samaritans collect food and clothing for the homeless and less fortunate. They man the soup kitchens for the down and out and collect monies to help put a roof over exposed heads and clothes on shivering backs. They are the ones who give gifts of the heart.

And while many make token contributions to charity during the holidays, there are thousands of others who maintain a giving spirit throughout the year. For instance, in the aftermath of the riots in South Central Los Angeles last summer, the historic First A.M.E. Church in the heart of the devastated area had programs and volunteers ready to offer assistance. Within hours the church was providing shelter, food and clothing to individuals whose homes and possessions were destroyed in the violence that erupted after four Los Angeles policemen were acquitted of beating Rodney King. In addition, the church set up a loan program to help small businesses rebuild after the riots and distributed transportation vouchers to those who lost their vehicles.

FAME, as the church is known, operates a homeless shelter, a youth jobs program in conjunction with the Walt Disney Co., and hosts a monthly food program that provides the only holiday meal many needy families will get.

Last year, the church launched an initiative to close neighborhood drug houses with marches, prayers and legal pressure, and got a big boost when talk show host Arsenio Hall purchased a former crack house for the church to turn into a youth center.

"The goal of the First A.M.E. Church is to be a service station with workers who are care packages to the larger community," says its pastor, the Rev. Cecil L. Murray. "The only source left for the disenfranchised, the disinherited, the disillusioned, is the Black Church."

On the other side of the U.S., the victims of Hurricane Andrew experienced a great outpouring of charitable hearts as they struggled to recover from the storm's devastation. Volunteers of all races and backgrounds provided food, clothing and shelter for the victims, many of whom lost all their worldly possessions. Black organizations, including sororities and fraternities, mobilized to help their brothers and sisters in need, but others in the community as well.

Actress Whoopi Goldberg and Sinbad, the comedian, were among the entertainers who joined Miami singer Gloria Esterart for a concert that raised more than $2 million for the hurricane relief effort. The Oscar-winning Goldberg is noted for her talent as well as her big heart, for she generously donates time and money to a number of causes.

Among the biggest Santas with generous hearts are Bill and Camille Cosby, who have given millions to Black colleges; Oprah Winfrey, who has done much to expose the evils of child abuse, in addition to funding a number of other worthy causes; and Florida attorney Willie Gary, who gave $10 million to his alma mater, Shaw University. Other celebrities with big hearts include Dionne Warwick, who has raised millions for AIDS education and awareness, and Anita Baker, who has adopted a class of Detroit students with intentions of financing their higher education.

During concerts last summer, superstar entertainer Hammer collected more than 500,000 pounds of food that was donated to food pantries in Sonth Central Los Angeles and in other parts of the country. Hammer, who is sponsoring holiday food programs in his hometown of Oakland, also visited a federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind., last summer. "You might be down, but you're not out of the game," he told 1,000 inmates. "Its up to you to stay dean and to learn skills for the day you're able to make a better life for yourself and your family."

Such personal encounters and words of encouragement inspire others to get their lives on a more positive track. Through the Michael Jordan Foundation, the Chicago Bulls superstar touches the lives of thousands with the various charities it funds. Last summer, Atlanta Hawks star forward Dominique Wilkins hosted an AIDS awareness concert during which he spoke to 10,000 youths about the need to adjust their behavior to avoid contracting the deadly disease. At the same time, rap artist Ice Cube made a $25,000 donation to the Minority AIDS Project and introduced his HIV/AIDS education television public service announcement.

In Hollywood, some 30 actresses have put aside their competitive personas to give back through the Kwanza Foundation, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. With the motto "In The Spirit Of Giving," the foundation hosts annual holiday galas to raise monies for its pet charities, including a shelter for victims of domestic violence. "Together we continue our commitment to make a differ ence and help those less fortunate than ourselves," says founder Judy Pace.