VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) — The Valdosta Police Department, in partnership with the Citizens Against Violence Venture Club and Patriot Tattooer, surprised a local family in need with a Christmas donation of food and gifts.
Every year, Valdosta detectives donate to a family in need but this year decided to partner with a few local organizations to make the donation even bigger.
The family selected, Kinshasa Martin and her four young children, have been long time members of the Citizens Against Violence Venture Club and was chosen by CEO and Founder Pastor J.D Martin and his wife, Ethel Martin.
“We wanted to get together as a community and show love for one another in this trying time,” said Ethel Martin.
Ethel Martin said that the family was chosen because they are always very dedicated, respectable, and deserving.
The owner of Patriot Tattooer, Francesca Morris, reached out to VPD to see how the shop could get involved and help give back this year.
Morris and her sister were raised by a single mother and experienced some difficult times growing up and said it is imperative for them both to give back whenever they can.
“Everybody at the shop took a vote and decided to sponsor a family this year," said Morris. "As a kid who grew up in the system, I think it is crucial to give back. You can always reach out to the Police Department if you want to get involved. That is the easier way to find out who needs help and what you can do."
“We were blessed today, and I am so thankful for it because it has been a difficult time," Kinshasa Martin said. "I was not sure if we would be able to have a Christmas this year.”
For more information on community outreach efforts, please contact Community Policing Officer Randall Hancock at (229) 242-2606 ext. 4090.
