Those in need in our community got a special holiday gift Friday. With some help from volunteers, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland gave out hundreds of food baskets.
The recipients were chosen through several community partners, including the Department of Human Services, MIFA, and the city of Memphis Office of Youth Services.
Mayor Strickland spent time with some of the older members in the community before giving away baskets. He tells Local 24 that he loves getting to talk with the people he serves.
“The people of Memphis are so friendly and nice, and I just enjoy chatting. I had one lady tell me how much more handsome I am in person than I am on TV,” says Mayor Strickland. “Another man served in World War II for four years in Germany, and that was interesting. I’d like to talk to him even longer. So just talking to people and, um, just good people.”
Mayor Strickland will give out the rest of the food baskets Saturday morning at the Cook Convention Center.