D4 The Afro-American December 28, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Coat and food drive serves up hope and holiday cheer By Patricia McDougall
O
n Dec. 21 Piano Keys Restaurant and Lounge and Dicko Foundation hosted a coat drive and dinner for those in need at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. More than 100 coats, gloves and care packages were donated by Good Samaritans across the District. A food station served hot food including soup, rice, chicken and more to the many people who were in attendance. Volunteers also drove around and gave out emergency thermal tents to individuals sleeping on the street or in parks. Dickson Adionser, CEO of the Dicko Foundation, started his organization in 2018. He always knew he had to do something to help others who are less fortunate. During the COVID-19 crisis, he ventured out to set up food stations as his DJ played music. Whether it be a pandemic or a cold winter season, Adionser is always happy to help, as his goal is to ease the hardships felt in dark times. Jordan Miller (left); Trinette Young; Dickson Adionser, CEO of the Dicko Foundation; Piano Keys Co-Owner Debra McDowney, Sebrina Field and LaToshka Castle participate in a food and coat giveaway ahead of Christmas.
Dicko Foundation CEO Dickson Adionser (center) encourages those in need while handing out coats and a hot meal.
Above: Shanice Tarver (left) and Nicole Wong hand out soup to those in need of coats and a hot meal.
Coats, blankets and care packages are put on display for those in need.
Janice Murphy (left), Nova Cosmotionz and Antona Bailey volunteer at Dicko Foundation’s coat and food drive at McPherson Square in Washington D.C.
John “DJ Big John” Royster helps usher in the Christmas spirit with popular tunes.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Thermal tents are given away on a chilly December day.
Volunteers keep the spirit of giving alive as they hand out meals at McPherson Square in Washington D.C.
As the cold weather continues, shoes are made available for those without proper footwear.
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