Coach Spyke Henry has been pouring into the kids of the Washington D.C. community for the past 30 years through his non-profit S.A.F.E. DC. In 1993, he founded the nonprofit to provide affordable tennis and education programs to the youth in his community.

His eyes light up when he talks about his students’ success. Recently, a student of his had the opportunity to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain.

“Going to Spain, that was phenomenal, and last year we had a kid that won a full-ride scholarship to Brown University,” Henry shared.

“I want to congratulate S.A.F.E. for over 30 years of helping individuals and kids throughout the inner cities with amazing tennis programs to enrich their lives,” Bassam said. “We want to help you continue that tradition by donating $2,200 to your cause so you can keep supporting those who need it the most. Keep doing the amazing work you are doing.”

Henry greatly appreciated the surprise donation and said it would be helpful for tennis gear.

“This means we can have more tennis rackets and tennis parties. We can have more kids involved, and what we have been trying to do is get uniforms,” Henry expressed.

Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS), founded by a Fairfax County mother, provides new skills and opportunities for differently abled students.

Naina Chernoff has a 16-year-old son that is autistic, and during the pandemic, she was concerned about his career prospectsNaina started the nonprofit to help teach young adults trade skills such as carpentry and woodworking, eventually transitioning to a career. The nonprofit offers students customized training that is paced for people with autism spectrum disorder, severe ADHD, learning disabilities, and mild intellectual impairment.

“I think I represent a population of parents who live at the mercy of other people’s kindness and empathy,” Chernoff explained. “I want to model the fact that our population of students are capable if we give them the right training and the right tools.”

Easterns Automotive Group’s Joel Bassam saw the great work IPS was doing and surprised them with a 7News Helping Hand.

“Inclusive Pathways to Success seems like an amazing organization, helping those young adults with varying disabilities to build their skill sets and hopefully find employment. We want to help you support those young adults by donating $2,200 to your cause to continue to help them out,” Bassam said.

Chernoff says more funds are still needed for a successful launch of their full-time program they hope to start in September 2023. They are still searching for a space to have by then, so the donation from Easterns Automotive Group couldn’t have come at a better time.

Mario and Sharday Richardson lost their four-year-old daughter, Moriah, to brain cancer. The Richardsons’ wanted to give back to others experiencing the same thing, so they created the Forever Moriah Foundation.

They called it the forever Moriah foundation to give back and as a way for her name to live on forever. “I always want to have her memories to live on,” Sharday said, holding a picture of Moriah. “She’s not able to celebrate Christmas, but to have me, my husband, and family continue to give back in her honor – her name will literally live on forever. That’s why it’s the Forever Moriah Foundation.”

They work tirelessly to support children undergoing treatment for cancer. Every year they have a toy drive where they collect toys and donate them to the Ronald McDonald houses and the children’s hospitals in the area. It’s not just toys; they go above and beyond year-round, helping families make memories and give back financially.

Amazed by their work to help other families, we wanted to surprise Forever Moriah Foundation with a helping hand. Joel Bassam joined with a special message for Sharday and Mario.

“Unfortunately, it feels like cancer has touched everyone’s lives in one way or another, and the way that your family has turned loss into helping others [who are] fighting this incredibly difficult battle is amazing. We want to help you continue to help those who are going through such a difficult time by donating $2,200 to your cause so you can continue to bring joy to those families who are fighting cancer in such a difficult way. Thank you!”

The Richardsons were overwhelmed with gratitude by this surprise donation. Holding back tears, Sharday expressed how much it means to her and their foundation to continue to give back to others.

As the winter months are approaching, the need for food is increasing for families. Eric and his wife, Bridgette, have been feeding 1000s of people every day for the last six years through their nonprofit, Operation Earnie’s Plate.

They feed 2,000 to 3,000 people in just one month. Due to the rising prices of groceries, Hawkins shared that the need is growing throughout the community. 

“We have received 50 to 60 calls for Thanksgiving,” Hawkins said. “This is the busiest time of the year because when the winter gets here, you’re talking [about] the homeless community – socks, blankets, and tents.”

We were inspired by what Operation Earnie’s Plate is doing to improve our community and wanted to lend a hand. Joel Bassam surprised them with a special message on the 7News Helping Hand.

“Operation Earnie’s Plate is such an amazing organization,” Bassam said. “Feeding those that are hungry is such a noble cause and something that I really have a personal attachment to, both myself and my family, and doing so right in Prince George’s County. It’s simply amazing and we are so happy to support you. We want to donate $2,200 to your cause so you can continue to feed those who are hungry. Keep doing the amazing work you are doing.”

Holding back tears Eric was shared that we have no idea how much this donation is needed. To learn more about Operation Earnie’s Plate and how you can help visit earniesplate.org.