Raleigh Dream Center spreads holiday cheer with annual Adopt-A-Block event
The spirit of giving was alive and well on Saturday in Raleigh as the nonprofit Raleigh Dream Center hosted its annual Christmas Adopt-A-Block event.
Over 3,000 gifts were distributed to needy children, wrapped with love by dedicated volunteers.
The event also provided thousands of pounds of free groceries, thanks to the generosity of local food trucks and donors.
For many families, this act of kindness meant the world. Jeanette Johnian, a volunteer, shared how the event has impacted her and the families she's grown close to.
"As I've come, I've built relationships with the families and seen the children grow up. So once you make that connection, it's very encouraging to see the kids," Johnian said.
The Raleigh Dream Center brought more than just gifts to the residents of Casa de Luna Apartments this holiday season. Along with presents, they delivered food trucks and thousands of pounds of free groceries, injecting a dose of joy and hope into the community.
Jeremy Porras, Executive Director of the Dream Center, reflected on the event's continued growth and impact.
"It's been fun to watch it grow. I remember the first year it was just 200 presents," Porras said. "Now, to see it grow to this, it's been amazing to watch."
Behind all those gifts, several church congregations, like the one at Cross assembly, worked into the night to make sure the gifts were ready for Saturday.
"There are almost 100 churches that help us pull off this event," Porras said. "It's it's just another way of loving our community to say we know who you are, and we know your name."
It's what brings people like Kevin Diaz back every year. He's 17 now, but he's been coming to this event since he was a kid.
"A lot of people are in stress, rough times, and it will be good for them to get a little help and a little hand," Kevin Diaz, who lives in Casa De Luna, said.
In addition to distributing gifts and groceries to 13 other apartment complexes today, the Dream Center has capped off a busy year by distributing 1.8 million meals alone.
