Media mogul Tyler Perry used his money and influence for a good cause Sunday, Nov. 22, by helping thousands of people in need through a Thanksgiving food giveaway in Atlanta, Georgia, the city that is the site of his massive production studio and that he calls home.
During the event, individuals and families received non-perishable food items and gift cards distributed by volunteers in protective equipment. With safety as a high priority, recipients stayed inside their vehicles in the drive-through giveaway. The event, with the hashtag of #TPSGiving, was organized by Tyler Perry Studios and took place at the studio location on Nov. 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
According to WXIA-TV 11 Alive, people waited in their cars for hours for the meals, with some arriving as early as the night before.
Food was provided to the first 5,000 cars that arrived. However, demand was so great, that by around 10 a.m. all food boxes had been given away, but volunteers continued to distribute gift cards.
WAGA-TV Fox 5 Atlanta reported that hundreds of people lined up for the giveaway, creating a procession of vehicles that extended back for miles.
According to the Associated Press, traffic was so backed up that at one instance, the line of cars expanded out for five miles south of downtown Atlanta.
Perry is known for his altruistic endeavors, supporting numerous social issues and devising numerous ways to give back to his community using his influential platform to help others.
His charity, the Perry Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to nonprofit organizations to help combat homelessness, and according to his official website, the foundation supports “civil rights causes, aiding survivors of devastating natural disasters and bringing fresh water to those in need.”
Earlier this month, Perry was honored with the People’s Champion Award, which was presented to him at the 2020 E! People’s Choice Awards. According to People, in his acceptance speech, Perry revealed how his philanthropy was rooted in the inspiration of others.
“I’m so inspired and moved by this moment. I’m grateful. When I think about all these people, these underdogs, some former prisoners in jail for 20 years, one in jail for seven, they always inspire me,” he said.
“So when this pandemic hit I knew I needed to do all I could to make sure they could continue in this great place that they’re headed towards in their lives, in their marriages, businesses that they started for themselves, and their own companies and their houses, sending their kids to school.”
In September, Forbes officially added Perry to its billionaire’s list, reporting that he had earnings of more than $1.4 billion since 2005.
