RICHMOND, Va. -- On Thanksgiving Day, amid the pandemic, one organization spent the day handing out 100 hot meals to those in need.
Amber Boyd and her friend Lavon Pounds started their morning at the Citgo on Chamberlayne -- their car packed to the brim. They began passing out the meals.
Boyd said this was the first time she had spent her Thanksgiving this way -- but it wouldn't be the last.
"I just took my own money and did it," said Boyd. "People donated money, they donated time, people donated supplies."
From Chamberlayne to Jackson Ward -- the two continued their efforts. Offering meals to anyone in the area, including Joseph Boulier.
"Turkey, stuffing -- yes a great plate. Wonderful plate," said Boulier as he sifted through his bag. "Definitely made me feel like somebody cared. Yeah, definitely."
In September, Boyd founded a new nonprofit called the Boyd BHG Foundation -- which will offer a place for parents to send their kids for virtual learning.
"This pandemic has really effected a lot of people. A lot of adults, a lot of people’s jobs, effected kids," said Boyd. "I have dealt with kids my whole entire life, so it’s my passion."
And that's what made the last stop, off Nine Mile Road, so special for Boyd.
"I love this area, and like I said I did three years working at this school right here at Woodville," Boyd said. "So these kids have my heart."
Two kids, in particular, were on Boyd's mind.
"These two boys were just part of my heart in the program. They were very sweet boys, and their grandma was a big part in their life," Boyd said. "...They informed me that the grandma had passed due to COVID."
A knock on the door, a plate left behind. Boyd hoped the special delivery would show them that even when everything’s different -- someone cares.
"This year is very special because of the pandemic, because of what so many people are going through. So to be able to come out here during this time -- it’s a good thing," Boyd said. "My heart is very warm."
