MACON, Ga. — As we approach the holiday season, we feel gratitude for what we have and recognize there are so many without, so we’re asking YOU to join us in our ‘Give Thanks’ campaign by helping the less fortunate in our community every Wednesday throughout November.
How it works: Every week, a 13WMAZ anchor will highlight one organization working to help those in need. Simply text the word THANKS to 478-752-1309 and get a direct link to donate to them.
Because we want to show our commitment to helping those Straight from the Heart, 13WMAZ will match the first 50 $5 donations every week.
Donations to each organization will run for a week before we move on to the next one.
Up first is the Mentor’s Project of Bibb County. 13WMAZ’s Marvin James shares about a group helping kids stay in school and change the direction of their lives.
Every Friday night during Central High School’s football season, you’ll find Nosa Osazuwa right in the middle of the action. In the stands, his mentor Rickey Taylor sits and cheers Osazuwa on. The pair were matched through the Mentor’s Project of Bibb County.
“It's kinda cool. I think it was nervous for both of us 'cause we didn't know who we were gonna get paired with.” Taylor said.
The two got paired through June O’Neal, the driving force behind the Mentor’s Project of Bibb County. They have been working for more than 30 years to help students stay on a positive path to graduation.
Osazuwa and Taylor have really bonded over the game of football as well as events put on by the organization.
“My favorite thing about it is the events that we do. The bowl-a-thon, the Christmas party, and a whole bunch of other stuff,” Osazuwa said. “For my birthday, he took me to a Patriots-Falcons game.”
Taylor is committed to Osazuwa. He travels to games and checks up on him. Osazuwa said Taylor has taught him things like how to be a man, how to treat women and various other things. But it is a learning experience for both of them. It is also an opportunity for Taylor to make a difference.
“He is a good kid. Sometimes he actually teaches me things.” Taylor said. Don't think it's going to take all your time and be inconvenient. Small things make a big impact on these kids.”
It is an impact that changes lives. In the game of life, Osazuwa always knows he has Taylor on his team.
In order to donate to the Mentor's Project of Bibb County then click here.
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