Celebrity giveaways are common in Atlanta, where music stars such as Killer Mike, Usher and Tip "T.I." Harris consistently participate in community projects ranging from providing Thanksgiving meals and buying sneakers for underserved children to funding youth programs and supporting young entrepreneurs. 

Last week, Harris distributed clothing, toys and Atlanta Hawks merchandise during his charitable organization's eighth annual Harris Community Works Holiday Caravan, an outreach of the nonprofit Us or Else. He was joined by his wife and partner, Tameka 'Tiny' Harris, U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams and Dekalb County Superior Court judge Asha Jackson.

“When you’ve been blessed as I am, it’s important to give back to those who may need a little extra assistance,” T.I. said in a press release after the events. "I look forward to these events every year and will continue to serve my community as long as I’m able to."

Tip 'T.I.' Harris poses with participants in the Next Level Boys Academy during a shoe giveaway in Atlanta in December 2023.

Tip "T.I." Harris (center, in white cap) poses with participants in the Next Level Boys Academy during a shoe giveaway in Atlanta in December 2023.

Credit: Dereon London/ @itsjustlondon

The 2023 caravan included a stop at the DTLR shoe store in Riverdale, where mentees of the diversion program of the nonprofit organization Next Level Boys Academy received a shopping spree, Atlanta Hawks merchandise and game tickets. Next, The Harrises and Williams visited with families and led breakout discussions at My Sister’s House, an outreach of the Atlanta Mission which provides food, shelter and transitional programs for women and families.

U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams speaks to participants at My Sister's House in December 2023.

U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams speaks to participants at My Sister's House at the Atlanta Mission in December 2023.

Credit: Youtube / Screenshot

“Many of our clients come in dealing with very heavy things that children should not have to deal with," Katrina Dantism, Director of Program Support Services at the Atlanta Mission, said in a statement. "When we have community partners like Harris Community Works come in and give Christmas gifts, it allows our children to feel safe and dream child size dreams.”

The final stop was a surprise appearance by T.I. at the graduation of the Project Pinnacle Diversion Program, where he passed out diplomas. The yearlong program, founded by Judge Jackson, grants second chances for first-time, non-violent juvenile felons — allowing them to avoid a prison sentence and a permanent record by enlisting in various anger management and skill building programs.

Tags: Atlanta  Georgia  rap  T.I.  nonprofits