Heavenly Vacation: Nehemiah Davis’ ‘Gifts From Heaven’ Serves 2,000 ATL Families With Smiles and Surprises
Atlanta families are in for some holiday cheer as philanthropist Nehemiah Davis and the Nehemiah Davis Foundation host the 17th Annual “Gifts from Heaven” Christmas Giveaway.
From the moment guests entered the Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School building, the tone of the event was clear.
Source: Joi Stephens / @VeryJoiBOSSIP was there as attendees were greeted by huge towers of red and gold balloons and on-site security, setting the stage for a well-planned celebration that filled the gymnasium and parking garage.
Inside, families wandered through buffet stations, toy and bike giveaways, bouncy houses, face painting and styling stations, train rides, and a car show, while children freely moved between activities with happy smiles filling the space. Live character appearances from the Ninja Turtles, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Elsa, and more added to the holiday cheer.
“Seeing all the smiles and knowing we’re making a difference in people’s lives,” Davis told BOSSIP in a key moment from the day. “I’m very happy to know that, and I want to continue to make things like this happen in our community.”
Source: Joi Stephens / @VeryJoiSeventeen Years of Service Focused on Faith and Consistency
Now in its 17th year, “Gifts from Heaven” has grown from a modest service into a major holiday tradition driven by faith, personal sacrifice, and consistency.
“I feel like God wants us to do it, and it doesn’t take much to do it,” Davis said. Sit down, access my resources, spend money and make it happen. I care more about making sure other people are better than me.”
While the event continues to grow in scale, Davis said his vision remains focused on growth.
“We want to continue doing it more,” he said. “Big buildings, big facilities.
Founder Myra Grant Reflects on the Foundation’s Faith and Roots
Myra Grant, the founder of the Nehemiah Davis Foundation and Davis’ mother, entered a place full of families, jobs, and holiday energy with gratitude.
“My God is so good and so powerful,” Grant said. “This is like the overflow of everything that is here, and I just stand in awe of God.”
Grant shared that this year marked a milestone for the foundation, as it was the first time the gift was supported by significant donations. In previous years, he said, Davis sponsored the event.
“Over the years, it’s never been a challenge,” Grant said. “God has been with us to make sure that if we do this, he will bless it and build it to perfection.”
Source: Joi Stephens / @VeryJoiGrant also reflected on how Gifts From Heaven began nearly two decades ago, when Davis was just 18 years old.
“I said, ‘Son, your extra money, you want to give it to me, and we’re going to help the poor,'” he recalled. “We started with turkey, ham, bread, cheese, mayonnaise. We made sandwiches and took them to town. They were gone in two minutes.”
That simple act sparked a lifelong commitment to service.
“For 18, 17 years, we’ve been giving back to the community non-stop,” said Grant. “We love doing it. It’s our passion.”
Sponsors and Community Partners Pour Back on Missions
Among the sponsors supporting the event are Coach K and Jaquinta Prim, a grant strategist and entrepreneur who credits Nehemiah Davis as a mentor.
Source: Joi Stephens / @VeryJoi“Giving back is something Nehemiah always encouraged us to do,” said Prim. “He pushes us to be in the rooms where we pour into the community.”
Prim explained that working with established community programs like the Nehemia Davis Foundation helps entrepreneurs get funding that allows them to give back in a sustainable way.
“When we apply for grants, we can say that we are partnering with the Nehemia Davis Foundation,” he said. “It puts us in a position to raise more money to continue to give back.”
“One Person at a Time“
As families came out with toys, bikes, and full plates, the main message of the day remained clear.
“One person at a time,” Davis said when asked how others can start similar programs. “That’s right, I didn’t start here, people see what you’re doing, and they want to help.”
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Joy Stephens
Joy Stephens
Joy Stephens
Joy Stephens
Joy Stephens
Joy Stephens
Joy Stephens
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Joy Stephens
