A local couple helps support the most needy this holiday by gifting bags filled with essential items like deodorant, soap, and hats to the RAM House.
The McAtaveys have been doing this for over 15 years, and the RAM House distributes the bags every Christmas Eve.
“It’s just that sense of gratitude that I can do something for someone that’s less fortunate,” said Gerry McAtavey.
Ann McAtavey said she first came up with the idea of gifting the bags when her mom worked at the RAM House.
“We came on one Christmas Eve, and it was really sad. I mean there was nothing going on. It was really depressing, and so I said to Mom we have to do something about this and so we started making bags at home and handing them out on Christmas Eve because a lot of the churches bring wonderful things on Christmas day, but a lot of these people need things right now,” said Ann McAtavey.
The McAtaveys donated the bags, socks, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Other organizations and people also donated items to put in the bags.
The RAM House is a day shelter that helps the homeless in Roanoke City. Shelter Manager Linda Harris said the shelter can have anywhere from 85 to 150 people every day.
Harris said it means a lot to her when people give back here.
“We just reach out and people give and that’s a blessing,” said Harris.