Organizations in Little Rock band together to engage the community in holiday cheer

Little Rock, Arkansas – Organizations in Little Rock united today to give back to the community in honor of the holidays.

These neighborhood activists want to share Christmas cheer while also making a difference.

Uptown Barbershop organized its inaugural toy drive with the assistance of organizations such as the Pettus Foundation and Certified Pies, among others.

Their outreach encompassed gifts, food, haircuts, and other services.

“We’re just trying to bring the community together on something positive. You know… And we want them to come out and see that… Everybody not doing bad things. Some people are actually helping the community,” Uptown Barbershop, Owner, Antwon Smith said.

In addition to networking with others in the Little Rock region, community members were able to get supplies to help with holiday necessities.

“Basically, everything we are doing is just to help better the community. A lot of people talk about what they do and what they gone do. We actually put something in play and actually start… You know… Working towards it,” Smith said.

Sims Strategic Mentoring shared the value of outreach by enlisting young people to assist with the event.

“It was important to bring them out here to show them how to be a part of the community… How to be able to get involved and what’s important in the community,” Sims Strategic Mentoring Program, Founder, Walter Sims said.

This holiday season, Chanan Ministries hosted an inclusive drive that shared resources for people and children with special needs while also giving back to the community.

“This community is come than that, it’s people that really care and I feel like that’s what my ministry and also other people’s in here. We’re trying to get us all to come together as one,” Chanan Ministries, Founder, Cynthia Camp said.

Every business aspires for others to give with joy as an example.

“I mean this is the season of giving, so we all just need to come and give a helping hand. That’s all I’ve got to say. Be joyful,” The Pettus Foundation, Founder, Kris Pettus said.

Even when the Christmas season is over, according to the organizers, they intend to keep transforming lives.